Dear Members of the University Community:

Each year, the university observes Constitution Day on or around September 17 in commemoration of the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. Constitution Day is a federal observance based on a law passed in 2004 requiring all publicly funded education institutions and federal agencies to provide educational programming about the Constitution.

This year we are fortunate to welcome back the Washington State Supreme Court to the University of Puget Sound on September 13 and 14 for their third visit since the start of Traveling Court. The Washington State Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the state, entrusted with interpreting and upholding the law. Comprising a panel of esteemed justices, the court plays a pivotal role in ensuring justice, safeguarding rights, and maintaining the rule of law within the state.

As part of the justices’ visit to campus and in recognition of Constitution Day, we invite you to join us on Wednesday afternoon, September 13, in Schneebeck Concert Hall for two judicial panels that will offer insights into the intersection of federal constitutional issues with state law:

  • 12:45–1:45 p.m.: Panel 1 — Exploring recent US Supreme Court decisions and their impact on Washington State Law, moderated by Professor Robin Jacobson.
  • 4–5 p.m.: Panel 2 — Insights from the Bench: perspectives from distinguished justices on state and federal trends and advocacy opportunities, and career advice.

The court will also be hearing oral arguments for two cases on Thursday morning, September 14, which are open to the public and will be followed by two open Q&A sessions with the justices and then their clerks. More information about these events can be found online at https://www.pugetsound.edu/stories/washington-state-supreme-court-visit-university-puget-sound.

In addition to the above activities associated with the court’s visit to campus, our Civic Engagement team will be supporting the right to vote by hosting a voter registration table in the Wheelock Rotunda this week. You can find additional resources to learn about the Constitution and Constitution Day by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Commemorating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day website.

We look forward to seeing many of you at one or more of the upcoming events. And a special thank you to Stacy Kelly, Assistant General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer, and Michael Noesen, Director of Event Services for Marketing and Communications, for coordinating this visit along with our outstanding faculty moderators, the “Deliberations” student Living and Learning Community and their faculty mentors Brad Reich and Lisa Johnson, Civic Engagement, and the University Events team for their collaboration and support for this year’s Constitution Day programming.

Sincerely,

Joanna Carey Cleveland | Vice President and General Counsel, Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the Board of Trustees