A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.The President has gone on record as a supporter of a woman's right to abortion. By allowing him to speak during such an occasion at such an American Catholic institution is clearly sending the wrong message. Yes, Barack Obama is our President and deserves the respect accordingly, but faith is a matter of the heart and should never be compromised.
Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.
I feel sorry for the graduating class to be caught in the middle of all this. They have weathered through the years to get a traditional Catholic higher education, many following the footsteps of their parents, and now it's come to this: having to hear an abortion supporter speak at your graduation ceremony.
Glendon's principled decision is to be applauded. Not only is she making a statement by not accepting this esteemed award, but her voicing the concern of the "ripple effect" of ignoring the bishops' guidelines is important too. God bless her for doing the right thing.
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