MCC to Sponsor Constitution Day Lectures, September 15 and 20

MANCHESTER, Conn. (September 13, 2016) – Thursday, September 15, from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. in the SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium, Manchester Community College will kick off a series of lectures to help educate the public on the U.S. Constitution. The “Constitution Day” lectures series is free and open to the community.

The U.S. Constitution, arguably one of the most crucial developments in history, established America’s government, laws and rights, and remains a living document. “Everyone should understand the basic meaning and importance of the Constitution,” according to MCC Professor Angelo Messore, who teaches political science and sponsors the series, which features speakers to discuss key components of the Constitution.

The lectures are a mainstay at the college. “We have been honoring the Constitution for a little over twenty years,” Messore said. “The lectures introduce people to basic ideas in the Constitution. Especially with issues surrounding police-community interactions being so focused on nowadays, the principles in the Constitution are so important to be aware of.”

The first guest speaker is Colonel Alaric J. Fox, a 22-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police and deputy commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “I believe it is important to have a wide variety of guest speakers so that people can see different sides and views of the Constitution from those whose lives rely strongly upon it,” Messore said.

Lectures on September 20, which will be held in the Great Path Academy Community Commons at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., feature guest speakers Richard Voigt and Dan Barrett. Voigt is a partner in the law firm McCarter and English, and Barrett is a legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut. Each speaker will provide vital information about the Constitution and delve deep into why it still has such a monumental meaning and importance today.

“These lectures are very significant every year, but this year being an election year, it is even more essential,” Messore said. “Many issues such an immigration are getting a very close look. There is no better way to sort out all the information and statements than to go back to the start, the U.S. Constitution.”

For information, including more on each topic, visit the Events Calendar on MCC’s website — www.manchestercc.edu — or call Professor Messore at 860-512-2755; by email, amessore@manchestercc.edu.