Jeffrey Rosen to discuss 250 years of the declaration of independence at UW-Eau Claire Forum event

The 90-minute program, sponsored by the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Ojibwe Ballroom of Davies Center. Tickets for the event are free but required.

“This event will be an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s interpretation of it, including as it pertains to individual freedoms, equal protection of the law, federalism, and the separation of powers,” says Dr. Eric Kasper, professor and director of the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies. “It is the perfect chance to reflect on constitutional values.”

Kasper will moderate the event with Rosen, who regularly speaks at large events and on mainstream media and has authored multiple New York Times bestsellers.

Part of the discussion on May 4 will focus on Rosen’s latest book, ‘The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America.’ A campus reading group at UW-Eau Claire has met throughout the spring semester to analyze the differing viewpoints of the Constitution’s meaning between founding fathers Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

“Many Supreme Court cases and public debates can be placed within the Hamilton v. Jefferson framework. I will be asking Rosen to discuss this debate and its legal and political implications,” Kasper says.

Rosen has a unique ability to weave together historical, political and philosophical ideas surrounding America’s founding in a way that is rigorous and accessible, says Philip Rechek, program coordinator for the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies. Rechek believes one of the most important outcomes of the evening will be the creation of meaningful conversation.

“That kind of dialogue helps students not only better understand the Constitution but also see themselves as participants in an ongoing American story,” he says. “As we approach July 4, 2026, my hope is this event helps place the Semiquincentennial in a broader context, encouraging reflection on both where we’ve been and what we want for the next 250 years.”

Patricia Turner, professor of history, says meaningful conversations about America’s past can provide lessons for how to successfully navigate the present.

“It’s often said we must remember the past or be condemned to repeat it. History does not repeat itself,” says Turner, who’s also a member of the campus reading group.

Turner is interested in learning how the Constitution has evolved since its ratification and if Rosen believes it still has the capacity to do so under present political circumstances.

Both Kasper and Rechek hope students, staff, faculty and community members take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage with an expert of such stature on UW-Eau Claire’s campus.

“Events like this give students and community members direct access to leading thinkers and create space for thoughtful, substantive engagement with big ideas,” Rechek says. “That’s increasingly rare and deeply needed.”