September 4, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The University of West Alabama will host a free luncheon in observance of Constitution Day, a federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, on Monday,  Sept. 17 at noon at the Bell Conference Center.

Distinguished guest speaker Dr. Tony Freyer, University Research Professor of History and Law at the University of Alabama, will discuss the significance of the holiday and his latest book, Little Rock on Trial: Cooper vs. Aaron and School Desegregation. Arguably our nation's top authority on this subject, Freyer shows how this case paved the way for later civil rights victories.

The widely-published author has received a host of honors including the UA Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award, which he received in 1992. His extensive list of published works can be found in professional journals such as the Vanderbilt Law Review, World Competition Law and Economic Review, Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law and Business History Review. In addition, Freyer has written several books such as Producers versus Capitalists: Constitutional Conflict in Antebellum America and Democracy and Judicial Independence: A History of Alabama's Federal Courts. He also served as a consultant on the Little Rock crisis for the documentary Eyes on the Prize.

Freyer received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego State University. He earned a doctorate in history in 1975 from Indiana University. He taught at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock from 1976 to 1981, when he joined the University of Alabama faculty. In 1985 he became an associate professor of history and law in the history department and in the School of Law. In 1986, he was promoted to professor of history and law and in 1990 was named University Research Professor.

In his latest publication, Freyer explores the landmark court decision that reaffirmed the mandate for integrating American schools and proved the supremacy of the Constitution over state laws. Following the lunch, he will be available to sign copies of his latest book, which will be on sale at the event.

Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, the Student Government Association and the Office of the Provost, the lunch is free and open to the campus community and the public. For more information, please contact Dr. Patricia Beatty at 205-652-3641.