By: Carson Hamilton
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – In honor of National Constitution Day, the Political Science Department hosted guest lecturer, Eric Button, to present the annual lecture. His discussion was titled, “Oaths to the U.S. Constitution: Service, Sacrifice, and Scandal.” Button obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas last year and specializes in veteran’s policy.
As a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division in the combat infantry in the U.S. Army, he has used that experience to thrive in his academic career. He has been published five times and was featured in the Auburn University Military Reach Review. The focal point of his publishing is centered around research valuable to veterans and their families. This allowed him to win the U of A Political Science Department’s Non-Tenure-Track Teaching Awards.
At this event, Dr. Button said, “The United States Constitution provides a social contract connecting its citizens to a shared sense of purpose.” His lecture included the importance of assuming office, what that means when taking an oath, and your responsibility to uphold the constitution. Comparatively to the succession of office comes the scandal of upholding office. He explains how when government officials such as armed forces, first responders, and government administrators break their oaths, it affects more than just themselves. It has a direct impact on the perception Americans have of constitutional integrity.
He divulged what an oath is, and if the American people give oaths outside of office. During weddings, sorority, and fraternity oaths in Greek life, spiritual oaths, and the most discussed was the Pledge of Allegiance. Growing up, many students participated in the Pledge of Allegiance in K–12 schooling. Yet Dr. Button said, “Is the Pledge of Allegiance the same as an Oath? You are declaring something, but do you understand the full weight of what you are saying?”
His lecture highlighted the truth of taking an oath and how that affects the government and the political environment of the nation. Dr. Button heavily reiterated the importance of oaths in this country and the various ways that they have influenced the American people.
“There are many examples of public and private oaths. But what is the importance of accepting an oath,” said Dr. Button. “The overwhelming confusion was that the people don’t just need to trust their government; they require an ethical standard.”
The students in attendance for this lecture heard him speak on various topics pertaining to the federal government and their oaths, with the opportunity to earn extra credit in some classes for their attendance. The lecture featured an additional fun surprise with Rick’s Bakery cookies provided to all in attendance. This lecture is one of many that the Political Science Department hosts throughout the year to engage students in the history and current events of government political culture.