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ACLU Palm Beach Chapter To Announce Essay Contest Winners, Receive
"Bill of Rights" Day Proclamation at Suncoast High
December 6, 2000
The Palm Beach Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida will announce the winners of the "Bill of Rights" essay contest at Suncoast High School during the monthly meeting of high school Student Councils from the Palm Beach area.
Three contest winners will be presented with cash prizes and awards at the meeting at 10 a.m. Dec. 7 in the school auditorium, 600 West 28th Street, in Riviera Beach. Palm Beach County Commissioner and former State Rep. Addie Greene also will present Ruth Gottlieb, ACLU Palm Beach Chapter Chair, with a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County declaring December 15 Bill of Rights Day.
ACLU of Florida Executive Director, Howard Simon, also will attend and say a few words on the importance of advancing and protecting civil liberties as outlined in the Bill of Rights.
Sponsored by the Palm Beach Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida, the essay contest invited high school students to describe societal conflicts between the common good and individual rights. The Bill of Rights was originally ratified on December 15, 1791 to protect individuals from government abuse and guarantee freedom of religion; freedom of speech, press, petition and assembly; privacy; and due process of law.
"The Bill of Rights guarantees that the government can never deprive people of their fundamental rights and it doesn't just apply to adults, it applies to young people too," said Ruth Gottlieb, ACLU Palm Beach Chapter Chair. "By knowing their rights and learning how to participate fully in the life of this nation, students can help shape the course of history."
The mission of the ACLU is to preserve and protect the principles of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The ACLU is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend these rights. The ACLU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, working in the courts, Congress and the legislatures to defend and expand civil rights and civil liberties.
