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‘#AllLivesMatter’ Social Movement Focus of Constitution Day at Dalton State

09/09/15

Social movements are indicative of larger social inequities that exist within a society, said Matt Hipps, assistant professor of political science at Dalton State.

It’s a topic he’ll explore in depth in his Constitution Day program called “#AllLivesMatter: Race, Gender and Orientation in America.” Hipps will lead the discussion on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Dalton State’s Goodroe Auditorium. The program is free and open to the public.

“We will look at the broad topics of race, gender and sexual orientation as they provide the most robust - and controversial - subjects to discuss in the realm of politics,” Hipps said. “Interesting enough, it ties in with the Constitution because we have long lived by the credo that ‘all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.’ We will explore if that equality of voice extends to all groups equally.”

Hipps hopes to open a discussion that inspires people to think about the importance of social movements and “the impact of marginalizing groups who rally around a collective cause.”

“I hope that people walk away with the understanding that championing a cause doesn’t mean that you must minimize the efforts of another cause,” he said. “I hope people walk away forced to examine their own thoughts and beliefs. Most importantly I hope that people walk away empowered to change not only their circumstances but the circumstances of others.”

Constitution Day recognizes the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Each year, Dalton State presents a Constitution Day program which highlights one or more basic liberties afforded to Americans.

Hipps has led Dalton State’s last five Constitution Day programs. His topics have included political discourse and civility and tolerance, gay marriage and inequality in America.