Rhode Island State Representative Robert E. Craven Sr., Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and State Senator Dawn Euer, Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will lead a panel discussion at CCRI on the Constitutional Convention question on the November ballot as part of the college’s Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture Series on Politics and Public Policy.
The panel discussion fittingly takes place on Tuesday, September 17, which is federally designated Constitution and Citizenship Day. This day commemorates the September 17, 1787, signing of the United States Constitution.
Rep. Craven (District 32, North Kingstown) and Sen. Euer (District 13, Newport, Jamestown) are co-chairs of the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention Commission and will discuss Ballot Question 1: Should Rhode Island hold a Constitutional Convention.
As a result of a process required under the Rhode Island Constitution every 10 years, voters will decide through a November election ballot question whether to hold a Constitutional Convention. The role of the 12-member bipartisan preparatory commission, which recently concluded its work, was to foster public discussion about potential issues that might be addressed if a convention was held and issue a report for voters to review.
This panel discussion – the college’s first Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture of the fall semester – begins at noon in the Lower Commons of CCRI’s Warwick Campus and is open to the public.
Ballot Question 1: Should Rhode Island hold a Constitutional Convention?
Tuesday, September 17
12 pm
CCRI Warwick Campus Lower Commons
Launched in 2023 by Associate Professor Matt Ulricksen of the college’s Department of Social Sciences, CCRI’s Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture Series features reoccurring workshops and presentations with special guest hosts, aimed toward educating students, faculty, and staff on various political and public policy issues.
“Constitution Day is a critical reminder of the responsibilities we hold as citizens to engage with and understand the foundational laws that govern us. The opportunity to discuss the Constitutional Convention question not only enriches our knowledge of local governance but also empowers our students, faculty, and the broader community to participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Civic engagement is at the heart of a vibrant democracy, and it’s essential that we all take an active role in shaping our state’s future,” said Professor Ulricksen.
Co-chair of the Commission, Rep. Craven said, “Rhode Island’s constitution is a living and breathing document that charts the course of our daily lives. We are fortunate that it requires the public’s input every 10 years because that is what true democracy looks like, giving the people a voice to affect significant change. I don’t know if the residents of Rhode Island will vote to have another constitutional convention, but it’s their right to have the opportunity to make that choice. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to further educate the public on what a constitutional convention could entail and how it could affect Rhode Island for the next 10 years.”
“At a time when the role of states in our republic is more important than ever, ensuring Rhode Islanders are engaged and informed about the Constitutional Convention process is essential. I am extremely grateful to everyone who participated in the commission, and I am thankful to CCRI for providing this opportunity to share the results of our work,” said Sen. Euer.
