The U.S. Constitution explains the fundamental rights of American citizens, the structure of its government, and the powers and roles of the branches of government. It represents the supreme law and principles that can not be contradicted by any other laws. This foundational document is one of the most important establishments in U.S. democracy, and the MSJC’s Student Government Association’s (SGA) “Sweet Freedom” event highlights the importance of student knowledge around The Constitution.
The event took place on two of Mt. San Jacinto’s campuses: San Jacinto on September 17, 2025, and Menifee Valley on September 18, 2025, in celebration of Constitution Day. The event focused on the sweetness of American freedom by offering free donuts and coffee, if students took home their very own Constitution. The event also offered raffle prizes for adding a SGA sticker to their student ID.
It is important for university organizations, especially those surrounding politics and government, to help raise awareness around U.S. rights and laws. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), which questioned 3,026 undergraduates about constitutional topics, many students were found to be misinformed about civil literacy. In the article ACTA Releases Alarming New Survey Showing Dangerous Level of Civic Illiteracy Among College Students, Gabrielle Anglin writes, “Only 28% of students correctly identify the 13th Amendment as the government action that freed the slaves,” and “Only 31% of students know that James Madison is the Father of the Constitution” (Anglin, 2024).
Menifee Valley Campus SGA’s Senator of Student Equity and Cultural Affairs, Serenity, explained that the event was inspired by the general lack of constitutional rights and the hopes to encourage educated voters across campus. Serenity acknowledged that many students may feel intimidated or “scared” when it comes to understanding the Constitution and our government. Still, the Sweet Freedom event is “light-hearted, where you can learn without the pressure of time constraints or other opinions, it’s more based on your own free will.”
MSJC student Michael explained that events like Sweet Freedom help engage students with topics that are vital to our democratic republic, in an approachable and accessible way. He said “I think it’s important for students to understand the Constitution today because we have a responsibility to ourselves and other Americans to understand our country’s foundation.” When asked if similar events were to continue on campus, would students feel more informed or empowered, he agreed. The positive engagement among students on campus helped prove the importance of civic knowledge on college campuses.
Providing opportunities for students to learn political and societal information can help inspire higher levels of informed voting and civic engagement. At the Sweet Freedom event, participating students who had a SGA sticker on their ID card were invited to spin the wheel to win a free prize. One student landed on “Tell a joke” but could not think of one, to which Serenity, in return, asked the student to answer a question. She asked her fellow student to name one of the Constitutional rights, to which he proudly exclaimed, “The Freedom of Speech!”
Moments like these encapsulate the purpose of events such as Sweet Freedom. It provides an opportunity to combine fun and education, while students can learn about their rights as U.S. citizens. The MSJC Menifee Valley SGA was able to simultaneously celebrate an important historical document like the U.S. Constitution, while creating a welcoming space for curious minds.
