Frank Colucci, associate professor of political science, spoke to PNW students and faculty members about how Constitution Day is unconstitutional.

In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005, it says every educational institution who receives federal funds must hold an event regarding the United States Constitution every year on Sept. 17. If the university does not comply, the government has the right to deny any federal grants from that institution.

Every year, $956.6 million is given out to students who attend public universities in Indiana. This includes Pell grants, Federal student loans, work study, GI Bill and military, research and other grants.

“We are all paying money and there are always strings attached to money,” Colucci said during his presentation.

Students have the ability to choose where the grants are used, but if the university does not hold an event celebrating Constitution Day, the student would not be permitted to use their federal funding there. This would have a significant effect on the institution.

“It is a good thing we have Constitution Day. The Constitution is the foundation to our country and deserves to be celebrated. It gives us rights and the ability to make choices for ourselves,” Shayla McNeal, junior technology student, said.

During the 2014-15 school year, PUC students received a total of $10.1 million in Pell grants and $24.5 million in Federal student loans. PNC students received $5.3 million in Pell grants and $12.3 million in Federal student loans. In total, both campuses combined received $52.8 million in federal grants.

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana receives the most federal grant money in Indiana at $286 million dollars.

“To hear a presentation like the one Professor Colucci provided is very appropriate. This is an educational institution and the constitution is very important to learn about,” Saul Lerner, Professor of History, said.

Not obeying Federal commands can have serious repercussions. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act (1983), South Dakota v. Dole (1987) and NFIB v Sebelius (2012) are examples Professor Colucci highlighted during his presentation.

NFIB v. Sebelius was a result of people required to purchase at least the minimal in health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. The states were supposed to be given a “genuine” choice of whether to accept the Medicaid expansion or not. 31 out of 50 states have accepted it.

Professor Colucci also alluded to The Affordable Care Act of 2010. The Act proposed states to expand Medicaid to low-income residents. If the states did not accept ACA, the Secretary of Health and Human Services was authorized to hold any other Medicaid funding.

“As long as we have this restriction with all of this money at stake, we are going to do it. If we did not receive the money, a lot of students would not be able to go here and it’s questionable how long this school would last,” Colucci said.

Constitution Day occurred on Sept. 19 in the SUL’s Room with a View.