CONSTITUTION DAY
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Arkansas State University--Jonesboro
September 18, 2014
9:30-9:50 am
Plenary Session, Centennial Hall, 3rd Floor, ASU Student Union
Welcome:
Lauri Umansky, Dean
William McLean, Chair, Department of Political Science
ASU Choir
10-10:50 am and 1-1:50 pm
Student Union Auditorium
Focus Group:
Freedom of the Press in the Age of Social Media
The panel will emphasize the political, constitutional and legal aspects of press freedoms and public
responsibilities in an evolving social media age. Special attention will be paid to the interaction between
the press and public officials.
Pine Tree Room (limited seating)
Focus Group: “Constitution Jeopardy”
A fun and interactive assessment of what citizens know (and sometimes don’t know) about U.S.
Government and the Constitution. This session conducted in the Jeopardy game show format will allow
students to compete for prizes.
Mockingbird Room (moderate seating)
Focus Group:
Andrea Sommerville and William DeNolf, Petitioners vs The State of Olympus,
Respondent
The ASU Moot Court team will present oral arguments in the case the fictional case of Andrea
Sommerville and William DeNolf vs. The State of Olympus: In 2012, the State of Olympus passed
Proposition 417, which requires women seeking an abortion to submit to a transvaginal ultrasound. The
proposition, furthermore, requires licensed physicians to read a script for the purpose of influencing
women’s decisions on abortion. Sommerville sought an abortion from her physician, William DeNolf, and
argues the transvaginal ultrasound is an Undue Burden under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Dr.
DeNolf argues that the 1st Amendment of the Constitution protects him from being compelled to express
beliefs about abortion that he does not agree with.
Spring River Room (moderate seating)
Focus Group: Freedom of Speech: Speak Up America
The panel will emphasize the expression of public dissent and police response to public speech,
demonstrations, and media coverage. Special attention will be given to recent local, state and national
events ranging from Jonesboro to Ferguson to Occupy Wall Street.
11:00
Student Union Auditorium
Plenary Address: Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel
2:15
Adjourn