Constitution Day

Constitution Day 2026 Events at CSI

Constitution Day Celebration and Lecture:
Thursday, September 17th, 12 - 2 p.m. at the Herrett Center

Celebrate The US Constitution and America 250 at the Herrett Center! Pizza, cake, and Constitution trivia from 12-12:45pm on the Herrett Center lawn. Then, at 1pm in the Herrett’s Rick Allen Room join our guest lecturer, Dr Edward Larson author of Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters for a timely lecture on the power of our enduring Declaration.

Constitution Day Community Lecture:
Wednesday, September 16th, 6:30 p.m. at the Herrett Center

At the beginning of 1776, few American colonists were calling for independence. By year's end, they had declared a new nation founded on revolutionary ideas about liberty, equality, representative government, and the rule of law. Join Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Dr. Edward J. Larson to explore the people, ideas, political debates, and military struggles that created our nation and still reverberate today.
Edward J. Larson is a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and the Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law and University Professor of History at Pepperdine University. An acclaimed scholar of American history, law, and politics, he is the author of numerous books, including his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters.

Constitutions on Campus

Students can pick up a free copy of the US Constitution at the Library, at the Student Activities Office, or in the Social Science Department Office (Hep 149).

Check out the CSI Library's Constitution Day Display

Check back in the near future for additional America 250 celebratory events at CSI!

Message from CSI President Dean Fisher

On September 17, 1787, at Constitution Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, America’s Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the American Constitution. Shortly thereafter, the first ten amendments were added. Those amendments, which are now known as the Bill of Rights, defined many of the individual liberties that we enjoy today.
The Bill of Rights is an excellent example of why our Constitution is often called a “living” document. Because it is not perfect it has been improved over time, allowing it to evolve and endure. For example, in the 1860s, it articulated the end of slavery with the 13th Amendment and later the 19th Amendment was added to guarantee women the right vote. As our nation has improved in its respect for the rights of each person, our Constitution has improved as well. Despite its imperfections, it has provided a remarkably durable framework for the United States. It is a testament to the American people that it has been modified over time to improve upon what our Founders referred to as “a more perfect union.” Its evolution allows us to learn from our past, and to have hope for our future.
In 2004, the United States Congress established September 17 of each year as Constitution Day. Among other directives, it provides colleges with the opportunity to schedule events and activities that enhance learning about the unique qualities and durability of the American Constitution. This education is critical, as we are improved as a society when each of us engages in civic awareness. Learning about our government and being active participants in our political systems is the essence of a government of, by, and for the people. I encourage each of you to take some time to explore the Constitution for yourself. Additionally, I invite you to review and participate in the activities planned by the College of Southern Idaho this September in recognition of Constitution Day and the American Constitution.
My thanks go out to Professor of Political Science Perri Gardner for her work in leading the College’s efforts. Each of you are valued members of the College community, and of our democracy, and I hope you’ll find the time to participate.