Augustana University and the Center for Western Studies announced that Antonin Scalia, the longest-serving justice on the United States Supreme Court, will speak at the 20th Boe Forum on Public Affairs, set for Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

Scalia’s discussion, "Whether the U.S. Constitution is a Living Document," will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in Augustana’s Elmen Center, located at 2505 S. Grange Avenue on the Augustana campus.

The event is free and open to the public; however, tickets are required. Free tickets may be reserved at www.augietickets.com.

“Since its inception in 1995, the Boe Forum on Public Affairs has sought to provide access to individuals who can address events, issues, or problems of worldwide or national concern and of broad public interest. Justice Scalia is, without question, such an individual,” said Dr. Harry Thompson, executive director of the Center for Western Studies.

“Justice Scalia’s presence on campus and his discussion before students and the public will no doubt challenge all of us to examine the ever-important role the Constitution holds in our society today," the Committee said.

Dr. Peter Schotten, professor of government and international affairs/political science, teaches courses in constitutional law and political philosophy at Augustana and also serves as the University’s pre-law advisor. He said Scalia’s visit will be memorable for students and community members.

“For almost 30 years, Justice Antonin Scalia has been one of the Supreme Court's most scholarly, provocative and quoted Supreme Court Justices,” Schotten said. “For Augustana and those who live in its surrounding South Dakota community, it will be an honor to hear from a sitting United States Supreme Court justice. For our students, who have read, studied and debated his judicial opinions, it should prove to be a memorable treat.”

Identifying as a “textualist” for his belief in deciding cases based on the original intent of the Constitution, Scalia is well known for saying what he means and meaning what he says.

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