Dear Colleague:
This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) serves as a reminder to all educational institutions receiving Federal funding about the requirements related to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (Constitution Day), observed on September 17 annually.
In accordance with Federal law, specifically Section 111 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447), all educational institutions receiving Federal funding for a fiscal year are required to provide an educational program on the United States Constitution for their students on or around September 17 annually. If September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the educational institution may conduct an educational program during the preceding or following week, if doing so is likely to increase student participation compared to conducting the programming on September 17.
The statutory language does not specifically define the nature or scope of the “educational program,” leaving institutions with considerable flexibility on how they choose to design an appropriate program to observe the day. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) anticipates many institutions will choose to take State and local considerations into account.
While the Department does not mandate any specific type of program, this letter is intended to provide potential program ideas for consideration as you plan your institution’s Constitution Day observance:
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Provide students with the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance: Incorporate voluntary daily or routine opportunities for students to recite the pledge as part of their broader efforts to promote civic education and responsibility. Many citizens lack basic civic knowledge and pride, and only 22 percent are proficient in civics and 13 percent are proficient in U.S. history. The pledge is an opportunity for students to connect themselves to the principles established in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
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Host a guest speaker: Invite a legal expert, historian, teacher, or public or private official to address the school or campus community on a relevant aspect of the Constitution.
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Organize a panel discussion: Engage faculty, students, and community members in a discussion about a specific constitutional principle or a current event related to the Constitution.
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Conduct a public reading of the Constitution: Encourage students, teachers, and staff, as well as the families of students or members of the community to participate in a communal reading of the document.
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Host a mock Constitutional Convention: Students and teachers can take on the roles of historical figures to represent different viewpoints on contemporary or historical issues related to the Constitution and Constitutional Convention.
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Facilitate interactive workshops or activities: Utilize resources like history games or online exhibits curated by the National Constitution Center and the National Archives. Alternatively, create your own activities focusing on the Bill of Rights or other constitutional concepts.
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Examine your State or local history and its connection to Constitutional issues: Engage students, teachers, parents, and local historians to host discussions relating to State and local connections to key historical issues involving the Constitution and how those issues helped shape current and future life in your State or local community.
Valuable resources are available to assist in planning and implementing your Constitution Day programs, such as the following:
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U.S. Department of Education: Offers a section dedicated to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day with links to publicly accessible educational materials from the three branches of government
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National Constitution Center: Provides educational resources, exhibits, and lesson plans related to the Constitution
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National Archives and the Library of Congress: Contain virtual copies of historical documents and resources pertaining to the Constitution
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United States Courts: Offers educational resources and experiences in their communities
Constitution Day presents an annual opportunity to promote civic awareness and understanding about the Constitution among your students and the broader school or campus community. Thank you for your commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for our country’s foundational document and its enduring principles that make America the greatest Nation in the world.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Kent
Under Secretary of Education
Note: This letter is intended to provide guidance and remind institutions of their responsibilities related to Constitution Day. It is not legally binding, and institutions retain the flexibility to tailor their programs to best suit their needs and resources. Institutions retain full responsibility for ensuring that any such practices around the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance respect students’ constitutional rights, including protections affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding voluntary participation.