Great Plains lecture to examine Nebraska Constitution

The Center for Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host Anthony Schutz, associate professor in the University of Nebraska College of Law, and Peter Longo, political science professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, for a talk titled “The Nebraska Constitution” at 3:30 p.m. March 16.

The Nebraska Constitution has been the social contract for Nebraskans since 1875, but it has been amended more than 100 times to match an ever-evolving society. Nebraskans have recently considered altering their constitution concerning same-sex marriage, affirmative action and the right to farm. Its provisions continue to affect policymaking on subjects ranging from the Keystone XL Pipeline to the Republican River Basin.

The discussion will examine the complex relationship between constitutional change and its impact on public policy. The changes reflect citizens’ demands to raise and resolve new issues, reflecting the Nebraska Constitution’s status as a living document.

Those interested in Nebraska constitutionalism, government, law, politics, sociology and social justice should find the talk informative and enlightening.

The lecture, part of the Great Plains, Great Ideas Paul A. Olson lecture series, is free and open to the public. The center is located at 1155 Q St. in downtown Lincoln.

For more information on the lecture series, click here.