Several campus organizations set out to demonstrate the importance of Constitution Day to Ball State students on Wednesday.
At the Scramble light, the Legal Studies Student Association set up a patriotic-themed station, complete with a red-and-white tent and several American flags. While visiting the station, students could pick up a political party pin or enjoy a red-white-and-blue snow cone.
In addition, several LSSA members wore star-spangled shirts and handed out pocket-sized Constitutions to students.
Among those members was Adom Scott Silberman, senior pre-law major and president of LSSA. Silberman said the LSSA’s goal was to help educate the Ball State community on the Constitution’s significance.
“We just want to make the BSU community more well-aware on this issue,” Silberman said. “The constitution impacts our lives every day.”
Other events related to Constitution Day were held in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Representatives from the Ball State College Republicans, University Democrats and Office of Student Life cooperated to help students register to vote online.
While they waited, students could snack on some popcorn or pose for a picture in a patriotic photo booth.
Those who registered were given a sticker which indicated that they had registered. Lauren Berger, assistant director of Student Life, listed the steps involved with helping students register to vote.
First, a student may choose whether to register as an in-state or out-of-state voter. Those students who register in-state may then choose whether to register in Delaware County or in their home counties. This process helps students determine the elections in which they can vote.
Berger indicated that it is essential to educate students on why voting is important.
Assistant Professor Brandon Waite represented the Political Science Department in the Student Center. Waite encouraged all students to take part in the political process, even if they aren’t political science majors.
“It is important for everyone, especially students, to learn more about the constitution and the voting process,” Waite said.
Those involved in the day’s events seemed to agree with Waite that it is vital for students to recognize the importance of Constitution Day. However, they also maintained that Constitution Day should be a day of fun and excitement.
Hunter Schubert, sophomore legal studies major and president of the Mock Trial Association, said he enjoyed being a part of the festivities at the Scramble Light.
“It was fun handing out the Constitutions and stuff,” Schubert said.
Brad Gideon, director of the Legal Studies Program, said he was pleased with how the day’s events unfolded.
“As director of the LSSA, it was nice to see the students working so hard and having such an impact,” Gideon said.
Gideon also stated that Constitution Day is a good civic engagement lesson for both those who received pocket-sized constitutions and those who distributed them.
Jennifer Grove, faculty advisor for the Legal Studies Program, said she was also delighted with everything that had taken place during the day.
“People got really excited about it,” Grove said.
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