MSU Law Celebrates Constitution Day with American Constitution Society

By Jake Jenkins

Email: jenki409@law.msu.edu

Sept. 21, 2022

[Editor’s Note: This is part of an on-going series of articles on MSU Law student organizations. Please let us know what your organization has planned for the year.]

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed.

In 2001, The American Constitution Society (ACS), was formed as the progressive response after the Supreme Court’s Bush v. Gore decision. The ACS was founded on the principle that the law should be a force to improve the lives of all people. ACS features both lawyer and student chapters with approximately 200 chapters in almost every state and law school.

At Michigan State University College of Law, the ACS chapter works towards educating people on the constitution as well as offering alternative views of how it impacts society.

“We’re bringing another side of discussion to the table,” said Tony Attard, ’24, President of ACS. “Many believe that views on the constitution are mostly conservative, but we are here to show that people can still have a progressive view on what it truly stands for.”

Attard was appointed President of ACS this month and he is looking to bring new energy to the organization this academic year.

“This is my first time leading a student organization,” said Attard. “I’m aiming for this year to go well and have already planned some exciting events and speakers.”

Cooper Gehle, ’24, Vice President of ACS, is not new to the executive board. He was VP last year and is looking forward to the organization expanding and reaching a new audience.

“We’ve had ACS at MSU before, but practices and procedures haven’t carried well throughout the years,” said Gehle. “We want to start out with something that will get us established in the college and for students to look back at and be proud to have membership with us.”

As the ACS at MSU Law is resurrected, the organization is always looking for new members to come join.

“We’re looking for those who want to express their opinions but maybe don’t know where to go,” said Attard. “My love for the constitution has been made synonymous with conservatism and I didn’t think it was that cool at first. We want members who have their own thoughts and can bring a variety of viewpoints.”