Watch video of John Seigenthaler of the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt speaking during a celebration of the 220^th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.

Seigenthaler, founder of the First Amendment Center and chairman emeritus at The Tennessean, spoke Nov. 28.

The Bill of Rights was ratified on Dec. 15, 1791. The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights protect citizen rights to liberty and property including freedom of religion, press and assembly and the right to bear arms.

The Bill of Rights event was sponsored by the Office of Active Citizenship and Service, the Office of the Dean of Students, Vanderbilt Student Government, The Vanderbilt Political Review, Vanderbilt College Republicans and the First Amendment Center.

The First Amendment Center, formed to support the First Amendment and build understanding of its core freedoms through education, information and entertainment, is celebrating its 20^th anniversary.