Houston Christian University celebrates the opening of the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty
The Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty is a vision whose time has come. The multi-million-dollar complex, a one-of-a-kind nexus of learning and education, opened its doors to its first class of students for the Fall 2022 semester on the Houston Christian University (HCU) campus.
What began as an academic initiative of the School of Humanities spurred by the vision of then, dean, Dr. Chris Hammons and blessed by HCU President Robert Sloan, will enable the University to inspire a deeper appreciation of American history and promote our nation’s founding principles and the study of free enterprise in a new and innovative way.
The complex is named in honor of the University’s Founding Father, Dr. Stewart Morris, Sr., and his family. The Center’s mission is to 1) educate all people about the principles that make America an exceptional nation, 2) train and equip teachers, lawyers, and the business community to articulate and defend our nation’s founding principles, and 3) facilitate civil discourse among diverse groups about politics, public policy and the future of the United States of America.
Students are offered classes in the humanities, including history, political science, law, philosophy, economics, sociology, and more, and have opportunities to participate in mock trials to engage in lively discourse on American history and the principles that shaped our nation.
The Assembly Room
The famous Assembly Room is where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and forged. Great detail was taken to recreate the original room, including contracting with the master craftsman in charge of furnishings for Independence Hall in Philadelphia, who replicated the furnishings in the room, down to the famous Rising Sun Chair. The decorative elements in the room, including the green tablecloths, quill pens and artifacts, were brought in to match the décor of the original Independence Hall. The room will be used for special class lectures and to teach visiting school groups about the importance of the nation’s founding principles.
The Staircase and Window
The open newel staircase leads to a beautiful Palladian window at the top of the stairs, providing an expansive three-paned view of the back of the complex. The staircase and window will serve as ideal photo backdrops for students to capture milestone events from graduations to birthdays to marriage proposals.
The Courtroom
The Courtroom, modeled after the historic Pennsylvania Supreme Courtroom, honors the America judicial system and serves as a venue to educate future lawyers and judges on the importance of the Constitution and the rule of law. Visiting school groups can also learn about the components of the American judicial system as well as hear stories of famous trials.
The Clock Tower
A facsimile of the iconic Liberty Bell adorns HCU’s clock tower. During a special bell signing near the end of construction on the complex, HBU President Robert Sloan, Dr. Stewart Morris, Sr. and family members, along with a host of other University supporters, faculty, and staff, signed the bell to mark the occasion. Those signatures were sealed beneath a coating of paint before installation in the structure’s clock tower. The clock is viewable from the bordering Southwest Freeway and is now the tallest point on campus.
The Liberty Bell
The replica of the Liberty Bell that will be on display beneath the Staircase and Window is being molded in the same foundry in France that produced replicas for the nation’s Bicentennial. Students will be able to touch the iconic bell and learn the origins of its famous inscription and the story of its famous crack.
The Gallery
In addition to providing a vibrant and interactive locale to educate and empower students and the community with knowledge and insights on American history, the second floor of the main building has been re-purposed to provide an event space ideal for galas, banquets, and special events. The space contains a kitchen for meal preparation and can also be used for lectures, seminars, and corporate events.
Welcome Center
A 1,351 sq. ft. wing to the east of HCU’s Independence Hall provides space for a Welcome Center for campus visitors. The vision is for school groups, teachers, and general visitors from across the city, and beyond, to visit the iconic building and learn about America’s founding in this unique “Liberty Laboratory” that emphasizes the principles of our Constitution and their importance.
Academic Building 1
An 18,477 sq. ft., three-story academic building, dedicated to classroom instruction, opened in the Fall 2022 semester. A functional addition to the HCU campus, the new structure provides classrooms for faculty to teach courses in history, political science, law, philosophy, economics and more. The building includes seven classrooms, six faculty offices, the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship Collaborative Classroom, and open space for students to study and relax. A second administrative building is planned in the future to provide additional space for classroom instruction.
The Free Enterprise Room
An additional 1,351 sq. ft. wing, located to the west of HCU’s Independence Hall, is dedicated to teaching the principles of free enterprise and entrepreneurism. It completes the Center’s mission of bringing greater awareness to the nation’s founding principles. The classroom is designed to facilitate a collaborative style of teaching and learning. Each wall of the room is equipped with video monitors and built-in boards to enable students to view the screens from every vantage point and quickly write down their ideas when inspiration strikes. Seven principles of free enterprise will be on display in the room to remind students of the importance of economic liberty as a force for innovation and social benefit.
