The Honorable Jerusha T. Adams, Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, challenged Troy University students to exercise their rights as citizens to help ensure the United States remains “one nation, strong and free.”

Judge Adams spoke during the University’s Constitution Day 2026 event on Monday. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorates the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the United States Constitution by the 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

Monday’s event was sponsored by the University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the TROY Pre-Law Society. Officers of the Pre-Law Society led the event, which was organized by Pre-Law Society advisors Dr. Lisa Harden and Dr. Adam Rutkowski. TROY’s vocal jazz ensemble, frequency, also performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” under the direction of Dr. Scott Sexton.

Adams, who was sworn in as a United States Magistrate Judge on Nov. 12, 2019, told those gathered that American citizenship was not a privilege to be taken lightly.

“You, as citizens, are a part of this magnificent history, this eternal effort to break down barriers of intolerance that separate and divide us and put us at odds with one another,” Adams said. “As American citizens, it is your responsibility to join in the search for that which unites us in a common bond. Citizenship in this country is a privilege not to be taken lightly, for it is a cherished possession representing the dreams and struggles of men and women for centuries. As part of this great country, you must help us to succeed.”

Adams reminded students that the rights and freedom enjoyed by citizens of the United States bring with them responsibilities.

“Our government rests upon the ideal that government should serve the people rather than the people serving the government,” she said. “You must always remember that these privileges and freedoms of citizenship are accompanied by responsibilities. First, a citizen should at all times have and maintain a sense of personal character and integrity. Because America is a nation of its citizens, each citizen must maintain personal character and integrity in order for the government itself to have these qualities. Second, citizens have the responsibility to have respect for our law and to maintain a recognition of the principle of the supremacy of the law. A third responsibility of citizenship arises because you have the right to participate directly in the affairs of our government. I urge each of you to fully exercise your rights for in doing so you help to preserve our freedoms and ensure that by the participation of our many citizens, we remain one land, strong and free.”

In order to exercise their rights, Adams encouraged students to first educate themselves and then act on what they have learned.

“The first step to exercising your rights is to educate yourself,” Adams said. “Educate yourself not only on your civic responsibilities but on history, on science, on art and on any topic that may inform you as to your goals. The second step is to act. Remain mindful that, over the course of history, we have seen successful movements to expand our laws and improve our nation which were successful due to the acts of ordinary citizens. No matter how small you think you might be, every individual has the right to pursue change.”

In closing, Adams challenged students to consider the following questions: “What can I do to make America stronger? How am I utilizing the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship to make America stronger? Am I taking my citizenship for granted?”

Dr. Rutkowski said the University was pleased to welcome Judge Adams for the event.

“Judge Adams is a well-respected federal jurist, and we are truly thankful for her taking the time to speak to our students,” he said. “TROY is fortunate to have Dr. Lisa Harden, Lecturer of Legal Studies and a former career law clerk for the Middle District of Alabama. It is through her connections that we are able to get such fantastic Constitution Day speakers. I truly believe Judge Adams inspired each of the 200 people in attendance to respect the law, seek justice, and pursue their dreams no matter how big or small.”

Rutkowski also thanked others that helped to make Monday’s event possible.

“I would also like to thank Dr. Scott Sexton and frequency for their performances of The Star-Spangled Banner and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. These moving songs were the perfect bookends for our event,” he said.  “In closing, I would like to thank the Pre-Law Society officers who led the event: Payton Harrell (President), Camille Bowers (Vice President), Elliana Renneke (Treasurer), and Gavin Wood (Secretary).”