New federal holiday celebrated
The Indianapolis Star carries an op-ed today by Andrea Neal titled, “Schools must squeeze in one day for Constitution.” Ms. Neal is referencing the federal holiday established last year to recognize the ratification of the United States Constitution. The law establishing the holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus Spending Bill of 2004. The act mandates that all publicly-funded educational institutions provide educational programming commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitutionon. This Congressional initiative is authorized by Section 111 of Division J of Pub. L. 108-447, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,” Dec. 8, 2004; 118 Stat. 2809, 3344-45 (Section 111). Section 111 requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, as it does this year, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.
Indiana University – Purdue Univiersity in Indianapolis will commemorate the holiday with debates on the gay marriage amendment to Indiana”s constitution and a debate on restricting the rights and freedoms of individuals to assure homeland security. Click here for more information on IUPUI’s programming. Sen. Byrd explains the holiday from his perspective here.
