Constitution Week event brings panelists to discuss the Constitution

A retired local judge and two Nicholls State University professors explained aspects of the U.S. Constitution related to their fields of expertise on Tuesday afternoon as part of Nicholls’ Constitution Week events.

The panel comprised of retired judge Gerome “Jerry” Barbera III, Associate Professor of history Stephen Michot and Professor of government Joseph “Rusty” Thysell discussed their own fascination with the uniqueness of the Constitution.

“As vague as the Constitution is, we have managed to go through generations of different interpretations whilst avoiding revolt or insurrection,” Barbera said.

The panelists had the chance to speak for about 15 minutes each.  Barbera opened the discussions answering questions about the meaning of a Constitutional Form of Governance, the constitutional powers of both federal and state governments. Next, Thysell explained the unwritten powers of the constitution.  In conclusion of the panel, Michot discussed the roles of the Articles of Confederation in the creation of the Constitution and issues about its ratification.

Throughout the discussion, all three panelists described the Constitution’s ambiguity as being a positive characteristic. They agreed that the document’s openness to interpretation is a large portion of why it has stood the test of time.

The event was a learning experience for all the students in attendance, but also for Barbera who said, while in preparation for the event, he read documents he never read before in his 27 years of being a member of the judiciary.

Thysell said that while the Constitution is a written document, there are many aspects of a constitutional society that are unwritten. The peaceful transfer of power of the presidential office is an example of what he finds to be the most fascinating aspect about the unwritten power of the Constitution. He further explained that an unspoken understanding exists when a new president is elected, meaning that there is an implied overall acceptance of the new leadership.

James Stewart, department head and professor of mass communication, said that beginning a few years back, the federal government required that any universities or rather institutions receiving federal funds must specifically recognize the Constitution in some way. Stewart said it is his opinion that weeks such as these highlighting the Constitution are part of the education process.

Barbera said that when he was in college, his eyes were particularly opened to the importance of the right of an American to free speech. His encouragement to present day college students mirrors his own college discovery. He said that students being well informed and willing to speak out about their grievances are critical in holding the country accountable to the Constitution by which it operates.

The Student Government Association has a table set up for the week in Bollinger Memorial Student Union with pocket-sized constitutions free for students to take.