Celebrating the Foundation of Our Republic

The United States observes Constitution Day each September to celebrate the document that serves as the foundation of our country's government. Siena does its part by hosting an annual lecture on a topic related this important founding instrument.

Albany Law School Associate Dean Ray Brescia, J.D. spoke here on September 23 on "Artificial Intelligence and the Constitution: Charting a Course Forward Through the New Frontier."

"These are perilous times in terms of the potential ramifications of artificial intelligence for the Constitution," said Brescia. "AI does threaten a lot of the traditional ways we relate to each other, including our laws."

He acknowledged the general fear that AI could be "a career destroyer" in many fields, but noted that if deployed properly it could make many of these careers - including those in the legal profession - more productive.

"We've been here before when new technology has had a major impact on communication. We have experienced these leaps forward. These advances often have a symbiotic relationship with other phenomena such as new movements that can effect social change - in this case, regarding the law."

Brescia noted that each new technology - whether the printing press, television, e-mail or the internet - calls for a new consideration of personal rights such as privacy, due process and the freedom of speech or assembly.

"We face real risks from AI that go right to the heart of Constitutional matters, and the impact they have on our daily lives. We're seeing algorithmic bias baked into the system."

Nelo Afzali '26 sees AI as "a profound challenge to the legal profession as we know it," especially given the potential risks regrading privacy.

"For example, if an attorney uses AI to research specific aspects of a particular case, they risk the client's private information being incorporated into the database that is used to answer other people's questions," Afzali explained. "The use of AI creates a long list of potential ethical considerations in the legal field, and constitutional protections may need to evolve to address how AI shapes government actions and individual rights, ensuring that these technologies are used transparently and with accountability."

Artificial intelligence can be used by people and organizations in responsible or irresponsible ways, said Len Cutler Ph.D., professor of political science and pre-law advisor.

"It is up to lawmakers in our political system to determine what those uses are, how to support the responsible ones and prohibit the irresponsible ones, and to the courts to determine whether the lawmakers have acted properly."

Marking a day each year to explore why the Constitution is so important to Americans is a way of "keeping the spirit of our rights intact and, in the process, protecting those rights," said Collin D'Ambro '26.

"Our nation's founding documents, which the framers intended to last more than a lifetime, are the single most important guarantors and protectors of our rights."

Aiden Cahee '27 added that it's important for students to learn how the Constitution works through events like Siena's annual "C-Day" lecture.

"Understanding how the Constitution works helps students become informed citizens who aware of their rights and want to partake in our democratic society," he said. "Knowing how the Constitution works and impacts daily life, such as our freedom of speech, empowers us to engage and advocate for these rights."

Siena President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D., opened the event by urging every Siena student to embrace their role as active citizens.

"Engage with your community, educate yourselves on the issues, and participate in the democratic process," he said. "Remember, the future is in your hands, and together, we can ensure that the principles of our Constitution continue to thrive."