College of Humanities and Social Sciences

CONSTITUTION DAY

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Arkansas State University--Jonesboro

September 18, 2014

9:30-9:50 am

Plenary Session, Centennial Hall, 3rd Floor, ASU Student Union

Welcome: Lauri Umansky, Dean

William McLean, Chair, Department of Political Science

ASU Choir

10-10:50 am and 1-1:50 pm

Student Union Auditorium

Focus Group: Freedom of the Press in the Age of Social Media

The panel will emphasize the political, constitutional and legal aspects of press freedoms and public responsibilities in an evolving social media age. Special attention will be paid to the interaction between the press and public officials.

Pine Tree Room (limited seating)

Focus Group: “Constitution Jeopardy”

A fun and interactive assessment of what citizens know (and sometimes don’t know) about U.S. Government and the Constitution. This session conducted in the Jeopardy game show format will allow students to compete for prizes.

Mockingbird Room (moderate seating)

Focus Group: Andrea Sommerville and William DeNolf, Petitioners vs The State of Olympus, Respondent

The ASU Moot Court team will present oral arguments in the case the fictional case of Andrea Sommerville and William DeNolf vs. The State of Olympus:In 2012, the State of Olympus passed Proposition 417, which requires women seeking an abortion to submit to a transvaginal ultrasound. The proposition, furthermore,requires licensed physicians to read a script for the purpose of influencing women’s decisions on abortion. Sommerville sought an abortion from her physician, William DeNolf, and argues the transvaginal ultrasound is an Undue Burden under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Dr. DeNolf argues that the 1st Amendment of the Constitution protects him from being compelled to express beliefs about abortion that he does not agree with.

Spring River Room (moderate seating)

Focus Group: Freedom of Speech: Speak Up America

The panel will emphasize the expression of public dissent and police response to public speech, demonstrations, and media coverage. Special attention will be given to recent local, state and national events ranging from Jonesboro to Ferguson to Occupy Wall Street.

11:00 Student Union Auditorium

Plenary Address: Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel

2:15 Adjourn