DMC Constitution Day observance features guest speaker and Texas Government textbook author Dr. Jason Casellas on Sept. 18
University of Houston Political Science faculty member presenting “Texas Politics in a New Age of Fractious Federalism”
Article by Melinda Eddleman
Sept. 17 marks a significant day in United States history. On that date in 1787, the country’s forefathers signed the final draft of the U.S. Constitution, which has stood the test of time for 236 years. And, in 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act requiring all educational institutions receiving federal funding to observe Constitution Day, which is officially Sept. 17 every year.
In observance of Constitution Day 2023, Del Mar College’s Political Science Program with the Social Sciences Department presents “Texas Politics in a New Age of Fractious Federalism” by guest speaker Dr. Jason Casellas. Associate Professor of Political Science with the University of Houston as well as author of Latino Representation in State Houses and Congress (Cambridge University Press).
Dr. Casellas’ presentation is scheduled Monday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. in Room 100 of the Venters Business Bldg. on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. The presentation is free and open to the public.
For more details, contact DMC Professor of Political Science Dr. Adrian Clark at aclark14@delmar.edu or 361-698-1639.
Dr. Casellas specializes in American politics with specific research and teaching interests in Latino, legislative and state and local politics. In addition to authoring Latino Representation in State Houses and Congress, he is a co-author of Governing Texas (W.W. Norton & Company), the textbook that some DMC Political Science faculty use to teach the College’s Texas Government: Texas Constitution and Topics course.
During his presentation, “Texas Politics in a New Age of Fractious Federalism,” Dr. Casellas will discuss how federalism has evolved in recent years to a more antagonistic relationship between the state and federal government, especially when the opposing party is in control of the White House. He will also cover the constitutional implications and how governing might be affected by more partisan division.
Among his credits, Dr. Casellas has received numerous fellowships, including a Princeton Fellowship, an American Political Science Association Fellowship, a Ford Motor Company Fellowship, the Samuel DuBois Cook Postdoctoral Fellowship at Duke University and the United States Studies Centre Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Sydney, Australia. In 2011, he also was awarded a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Dr. Casellas is a member of the Texas Advisory Committee of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and his work has appeared in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Politics, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly and Aztlán: Journal of Chicano Studies, among others.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University in New Orleans and both Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Princeton University.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.