MCLA to Host Constitution and Citizenship Day with Electoral College Lecture

02:48PM / Tuesday, September 10, 2024Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MCLA will host the annual Constitution and Citizenship Day with a special presentation for students and community members later this month.

Joining other colleges and universities across the country, the federal holiday was established in 2004 and first celebrated in 2005, recognizing the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Penn.

The presentation, "Understanding the Electoral College: Insights into 2024's Presidential Election," will be led by MCLA Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Samantha Pettey on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. in Murdock Hall Room 218.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Dr. Pettey will explore the historical origins and current controversies of the Electoral College, including the disparity between the popular vote and electoral outcomes, and the influence of swing states. It will also cover best practices for interpreting polling data to help students and attendees critically analyze 'hot-take' headlines. A Q & A session addressing these topics and others will follow the presentation. This lecture is designed to empower students of democracy with the knowledge to understand and influence our elections.

"Polling can be tricky to interpret responsibly, especially in the context of the Electoral College," Dr. Pettey said. "The lecture will focus on some tips for reading and interpreting electoral news with polls and will allow time for questions about the broader

election."

Originally from southeastern Massachusetts, Dr. Pettey has been interested in politics since a young age and has worked in the History and Political Science Department at MCLA since Fall 2016. Dr. Pettey teaches a range of courses on American government but

is most passionate about teaching and researching Congress, state and local politics and women in politics.

Dr. Pettey's current research focuses broadly on female candidates. She is particularly interested in the impact institutional features and demographic characteristics have on state-level candidate emergence and success.

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Letter: Let's Celebrate Diversity in the Northern Berkshires

Letter to the Editor07:00PM / Friday, January 09, 2026

To the Editor:

With the Jan. 1 swearing in of our city of North Adams mayor and City Council, we have an opportunity to celebrate diversity. For the first time in North Adams history, we have a woman for mayor, a woman majority council, and a council which is at least one-third LGBTQIA-plus. I believe this is something which should be celebrated, openly.

Despite a worrying national conversation which advocates that diversity equates weakness, the opposite is true, and has been proven time and time again. McKinsey & Co., a global consulting firm, has conducted a series of studies, which have made a strong business case for diversity, showing it is a competitive advantage for organizations, linked to innovation, financial success, and social benefits. It is indicated that it's especially beneficial to have diverse leadership teams.

I think North Adams is well-positioned to leverage fresh ideas and innovate. Our diversity will help set us up for a more successful future.

Like many of you, I have noticed negative reactions to the news of the diversification of our city's leadership in social media posts, and in overtly homophobic and transphobic comments. I wish for the Northern Berkshires to maintain a culture which is respectful, accepting and uplifting of people of all backgrounds, and I suspect the majority of our residents share this goal.

If you are reading this and feel similarly to me, please join me in helping to uplift people, and celebrate diversity. Let's share success stories, hopes for the future, and accept people of different backgrounds.

Andrew J Fitch
North Adams, Mass.

Andrew Fitch is vice president of the North Adams City Council.

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