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For Release: Immediately
September 12, 2012
Contact:
Mark Mahoney
Associate Director of Media Services
mmahoney@nysba.org
518.487.5532
NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES
“CONSTITUTION DAY” ON 225th ANNIVERSARY
Monday, September 17, marks the 225th anniversary of the adoption of
the United States Constitution in Philadelphia.
Across New York, schools will recognize this historic event with
special programs and lessons as part of a federal initiative. The State
Bar Association’s Law Youth & Citizenship program supports
Constitution Day with K-12 lesson plans for teachers, a civics roadmap,
the Lawyer in the Classroom program, and partnerships with public and
private organizations.
State Bar President Seymour W. James, Jr. today encouraged educators
to go beyond basic recitation of facts, and to engage students in a
vibrant discussion and examination of the Constitution’s impact on
our everyday lives.
“Through a Civil War and two World Wars, the Constitution has
endured. Through civil unrest and racial strife and presidential
assassinations and attacks on our country by outside aggressors, the
Constitution has been the cement that has held our nation
together,” said James (The Legal Aid Society in New York City).
“It is important that we share with future generations the rights
embedded in it and regularly recommit ourselves to protecting those
rights.”
James said that more than two centuries after its adoption, the
Constitution continues to serve as a foundation for freedom throughout
our country and across the globe.
Since 1787, the U.S. Constitution has been the model for the
constitutions of dozens of other countries, including those in Africa,
South America and the emerging states of the former Soviet Union.
“The basic rights articulated in the Constitution –
including freedom of religion, speech and assembly; the right to a fair
and speedy trial, protection against cruel and unusual punishment; and
the right to elect our representatives in government – are
exercised and protected every day in the United States and
abroad,” he said.
A 2004 federal law requires schools to teach about the Constitution
as a condition for receiving federal funding. Because some schools will
be closed September 17 for Rosh Hashanah this year, the law allows for
them to hold their Constitution Day lessons the preceding or following
week.
The State Bar’s Law Youth & Citizenship website offers
numerous resources for teachers, students, attorneys and other citizens
wishing to learn more about the Constitution and civics education. Visit
www.nysba.org/ConstitutionDay for more
information.
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in
1876.
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