MCLA Constitution Day Lecture Examines the History of American Citizenship

September 4, 2026

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold its 2026 Constitution Day Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m., in Murdock Hall, Room 218. The talk, "Debating Citizenship: A Historical Perspective on How the U.S. Has Defined Citizenship," is free and open to the public.

Dr. Ely Janis, professor of history at MCLA, will trace the contested history of American citizenship from the Naturalization Act of 1790 to the present, examining how immigration, race and national identity have shaped who counts as a citizen. The lecture will connect that history to current debates over immigration, birthright citizenship, and national belonging. A question-and-answer session will follow.
 
Constitution Day was established as a federal holiday in 2004 and first celebrated in 2005, recognizing the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, in Philadelphia. The Constitution Day Lecture is made possible by MCLA’s Department of History and Political Science.

About MCLA

At MCLA, we're here for all—and focused on each—of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 132-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.