September 17 is Constitution Day
In 2005, Congress passed legislation mandating that educational institutions receiving federal funds hold an educational program on the U.S. Constitution on Sept 17 each year. This day commemorates the September 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution. The federal provision does not define "educational program." This means that colleges and universities have a great deal of latitude in exactly how they choose to recognize the day.
NAICU encourages all of our members to embrace this opportunity to advance civic education.
The Library of Congress lists a number of resources for planning activities and recognizing the day on its website. In addition, the Constitution Center Web site offers a number of idea starters.
The regulations don't indicate any penalties for failure to comply with the mandate, nor do they require activities to be reported.
For more information, please contact:
Bo Newsome