Happy Constitution Week

Middle Tennessee State University will host political commentator and author David Brooks at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Tucker Theatre to culminate the university’s annual observance of Constitution Week. In addition, there will be live readings of the U.S. Constitution Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 15-17.
David Brooks

Brooks, a contributor to the “PBS News Hour” and opinion columnist for The New York Times, will discuss the theme, “We the People: The Place of the U.S. Constitution in Students’ Everyday Spaces,” in a panel discussion led by MTSU students and hosted by the American Democracy Project at MTSU. The event is free and open to the public.

“David Brooks has emerged as one of the most thoughtful commentators in our political discourse,” said Amy Sayward, history professor and coordinator of MTSU’s American Democracy Project chapter. “He is very much an ideological conservative, but stands out in some ways because he has been critical of the current administration.”
Dr. Amy Sayward

Sayward said she’s looking forward to hearing what questions students have prepared for Brooks and what advice he might provide them as they discuss the American document that is the foundation for the United States.

“This is such a great opportunity for our students to engage with some of these big questions that David Brooks has been posing about our country,” Sayward said.

Free event parking is provided for visitors at the Reese Smith lot at Faulkinberry Drive and Champion Way, adjacent to Tucker Theatre, inside the Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building, 615 Champion Way.
Constitution Week readings

MTSU also annually observes the U.S. Constitution’s 1787 signing with volunteers reading the living document in its entirety in several locations on campus throughout the week.


On Monday, Sept. 15, readings will include:

• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment/James E. Walker Library will host on the steps of the John Bragg Building, 1735 Blue Raider Drive.

• 3-4:15 p.m., University Honors College/Student Government Association will host on the lawn of the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building, 1737 Blue Raider Drive.

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, readings will include:

• 9-10:15 a.m., University College/College of Education will host at the east portico of the Education Building, 1756 MTSU Blvd.

• Noon to 2 p.m., students can read the Constitution online via Zoom; email Amy.Sayward@mtsu.edu to participate. The event will also be recorded.

• 1-2:15 p.m., College of Behavioral and Health Sciences/Blue Raider Athletics will host at the Academic Classroom Building courtyard, 1751 MTSU Blvd.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, readings will include:

• 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Jones College of Business/College of Graduate Studies will host at the Business and Aerospace Building courtyard, 1642 MTSU Blvd.

• 1-2:15 p.m., College of Liberal Arts/College of Basic and Applied Sciences will host at the Peck Hall courtyard, 537 Old Main Circle. David Brooks will participate in this reading.