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“Protecting the Rule of Law, Judicial Independence, and Civility” Constitution Day Program at Viterbo University Sept. 17

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Aug. 31, 2026

Contact Rick Kyte at 608-796-3704 or rlkyte@viterbo.edu

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LA CROSSE, Wis. – Celebrate Constitution Day with the presentation “Protecting the Rule of Law, Judicial Independence, and Civility” by retired federal judges Deanell Reece Tacha and Beverly B. Martin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby.

The judicial process is a cornerstone in America’s constitutional democracy, yet confidence in American institutions is being tested, including the judiciary. This is particularly challenging as battleground states such as Wisconsin prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. This collaborative Constitution Day program offers a timely opportunity to hear from two nationally respected former federal judges who have dedicated their careers to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.

Both speakers are members of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition, an initiative that now includes more than 70 retired federal judges appointed by Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. The Coalition is committed to strengthening American democracy through nonpartisan public education on the Constitution, judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the rule of law.

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The Hon. Deanell Reece Tacha served 25 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit after appointment by President Ronald Reagan, including six years as Chief Judge. A former dean of the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, she held national leadership roles through the Judicial Conference of the United States and appointments from Chief Justices William Rehnquist and John Roberts. Judge Tacha has been a prominent advocate for judicial ethics, professionalism, and civility, and received the Devitt Award, the highest honor for lifetime service by a federal judge.

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The Hon. Beverly B. Martin (Ret.) served more than 20 years on the federal bench in Georgia after appointments by Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, first as a U.S. District Judge and later on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. After retiring from the bench, she became Executive Director of NYU’s Center on Civil Justice and continues her work as a respected mediator, arbitrator, and legal consultant. Judge Martin is widely recognized for her commitment to fairness, access to justice, and impartial decision making.

This event is sponsored by LeaderEthics and is part of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership fall lecture series. It is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary, but seating is limited. For a full schedule of D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership events, visit www.viterbo.edu/ethics.

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