“I love hecklers,” said Dr. Bradley Vaden, Instructor, Political Science, in response to some audience members as he launched into his talk on the 1st Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, “Freedom of Speech”. The occasion was Trade Tech's celebration of Constitution Day, a town hall meeting and teach-in designed to educate and encourage discussion about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities afforded all United States citizens by the Constitution and her amendments.

Following greetings from Ramon Castillo, Vice President Student Services on behalf of himself and Dr. Roland “Chip” Chapdelaine, LATTC President and Cary Roth, Vice President Administrative Services, Ethan Burrall, ASO President and Dorothy Smith, Acting Associate Dean speakers came to the lectern to deliver their presentations.

Thurman Robinson, Professor, history and ethnic studies presented a brief history of the Constitution, “The Human Side”. He spoke not only to the rights given by the most precious document, but the responsibility each citizen has to exercise those rights. He was followed by Dr. Vaden, who spoke eloquently about the first amendment and how through peaceful protest has this country been changed for the better. Citing examples such as Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez, Dr. Vaden encouraged the students to continue their work in the same manner. Maurice Burnett, Counselor read the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery in this country and Leticia Barajas, Dean of Academic Affairs presented the 14th Amendment, which defines citizenship. Armed with a copy of that day's Los Angeles Times, Dr. Raul Cardoza, Dean of Enrollment Management spoke on the 15th Amendment, which gives all citizens the right to vote. The newspaper contained a story about a bill currently working its way through the legislature, which will require all voters to present a photo ID and eventually proof of citizenship before being given a ballot. This is seen in some sectors as an attempt to deny voting rights to certain citizens. Lorna Greene, Counselor spoke on the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

The program was concluded by three thought provoking readings. The first was a stirring rendition of “The Mother” a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks presented by Chriscynthia Calhoun a Trade Tech student. This was followed by Deirdre Wood, Instructor, speech who delivered a talk entitled, “What Price is Safety?” She spoke of the loss of certain Constitutional rights in the interest of National security as a result of the Patriot Act. The always powerful Dr. Freddy McClain, Instructor, Sociology, spoke of the Constitution as “Words to Live By.”

Read the U. S. Constitution. 060920