The Mandate

Federal Notice

The following is from the Federal Department of Education's "Notice of Implementation of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17 of Each Year:"

"Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution. For purposes of the Department's implementation of this requirement, 'educational institutions' includes but is not limited to 'local educational agencies' and 'institutions of higher education' receiving Federal funding from the Department of Education."

Notice of Implementation from The Federal Register - March 24, 2005

Consolidated Appropriations Act

This Congressional initiative is authorized by Section 111 of Division J of Public Law 108-447, the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,'' Dec. 8, 2004; 118 Stat. 2809, 3344-45 (Section 111).

Section 111 requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17 of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.

For More Information

For more information, please contact Melissa White at (810) 591-4497.