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BIDDEFORD, Maine

91AV celebrates Constitution Day

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.  

91AV recognized the day with a discussion sponsored by the Department of Political Science and College of Arts and  Sciences Dean's Office, in the St. Francis Room on 91AV's Biddeford Campus.

The theme was "The Constitution and the Place of Religion in Public Life." Professor Ali Ahmida, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Political Science, acted as moderator. 

Panelists included James B. Roche, Esq., associate attorney with the law firm of Liggio, Benrubi & Williams, and adjunct professor and pre-law coordinator in the 91AV department of Political Science; Jennifer Denbow, Ph.D., J.D., assistant professor in the 91AV department of Political Science; and Thaddeus West, Esq., with the York County District Attorney's office and also a 91AV adjunct professor.

The issues considered by the panelists were: 1) How to interpret the Constitution?  2) What are the politics behind the Constitution and the place of religion in public life? and 3) What are the new challenges for the Supreme Court?

The panelists engaged in a lively discussion.  All agreed that while the Constitution itself is fairly short and easy to read, its interpretation is quite complex.  Roche explained, "Often in the U.S., if it sounds unfair, people think, 'it must be unconstitutional,' but that's not always the case."

Dendow added, "The text itself is hard to interpret.  It's not just intent; some issues are intentionally left open for judges to decide ... As a living document, consequences and social context are considered."

West added, "Reasonable people can differ. The Constitution's ambiguousness is a benefit to us."  With regard to the issue of religion, he stated, "The question is ... how do we provide everyone freedom of religion as well as freedom from religion."

Same-sex marriage, abortion and technology issues were also discussed as Constitutional challenges in the 21st century.

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.