Trinity Observes America250

Trinity Observes America250

In this 250th year of our great American Democracy, the Trinity community will engage in a series of conversations, guided by our learned faculty, focusing on key issues in understanding and protecting our rights and freedoms.

September 17, Constitution Day

5:00 pm – Payden 104

Series Introduction:  The Constitution and Bill of Rights
Dean Tom Mostowy presents an overarching review of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and leads students in discussion of key issues

Conversation #1:  Freedom of Press and Speech
Mr. Chaz Muth, faculty and students from the Trinity Times discuss the state of press freedom in America: how has the engagement of major corporate interests in ownership of media outlets changed the idea of freedom of the press? What is the ABC lawsuit against the government all about?  What about emerging nonprofit models of journalism?

September 17, Constitution Day

5:00 pm – Payden 104

Series Introduction:  The Constitution and Bill of Rights
Dean Tom Mostowy presents an overarching review of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and leads students in discussion of key issues

Conversation #1:  Freedom of Press and Speech
Mr. Chaz Muth, faculty and students from the Trinity Times discuss the state of press freedom in America: how has the engagement of major corporate interests in ownership of media outlets changed the idea of freedom of the press? What is the ABC lawsuit against the government all about?  What about emerging nonprofit models of journalism?

OCTOBER 23 – Alumnae Reunion

12:30 to 2:30 – O’Connor Auditorium, Main Hall

Conversation #2:  Freedom of Religion, Social Justice and Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Stephen Schneck of Catholics for the Future will lead a discussion on the condition of religious freedom in America, the rise of Christian Nationalism, the new debate over separation of Church and State

Dr. Jeannine Marino, Dr. Stephen Thorne and Dr. Steven Gable will examine the issues in Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and the intersection of AI and the Social Justice teachings of the Church.

February (Presidents Day week)

Conversation #3:  Voting Rights and Civil Rights
Dean Tom Mostowy, other faculty and students discuss the Supreme Court’s diminishment of the Voting Rights Act, whether the current administration’s effort to abolish DEI is a retreat from civil rights, the options open for concerned citizens and advocates to mount a more ambitious restorative agenda

Conversation #4:  Presidential Powers and Government Intrusion in Private Spaces
Dr. Steven Gable will share his research as part of a discussion on whether government can send troops and law enforcement officers into private spaces without warrants or other consent; how the Third and Fourth Amendments intersect with the president’s decision to order National Guard troops into many cities and the forcible entry of ICE agents into workspaces and other locations.

April – Founders Day

Conversation #5:  Citizenship and Ownership of the American DreamWho has a right to claim the American Dream?  Will a more constructive path to citizenship open for undocumented persons?  What is the aftermath of the birthright citizenship case?

Concluding Activity:  TimeCapsule300
Trinity students create a time capsule for students to open in 2076 with artifacts of the culture and events around America250 and vision statements for America300.

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