Emotions Escalate as Notre Dame Commencement Draws Near

Days before Notre Dame’s graduation ceremony, the emotional debate over President Obama delivering the famous Catholic University’s commencement address is mounting. “This president stands for many pro-abortion or pro-choice policies that are in direct conflict of my Catholic faith,” Andrew Chronister told the Tribune. Chronister, a theology major, is one of a group of seniors who will attend a prayer service for the unborn instead of attending their own graduation ceremony. There have already been protests on campus since Obama accepted the university’s invitation in March, and a plane with a banner showing the remains of an aborted fetus recently flew over South Bend’s skies.

According to the Tribune:

Notre Dame's president, Rev. John Jenkins, has said the invitation to Obama does not imply the school supports all of his positions. Rather, he has argued that it is the basis for "further positive engagement."

Shortly after the controversy erupted, the White House organized meetings with both abortion-rights supporters and opponents to come up with a proposal to reduce abortions and unwanted pregnancies. A proposal is expected by late summer. A White House press secretary stated, “The vast majority of students and the majority of Catholics are supportive of the invitation the president accepted, and I know he’s greatly looking forward to it." A high level of security at the event, even more than usual for a presidential visit, is expected.

With a history of inviting American political leaders to speak at its commencements,controversy of this kind is not new to Notre Dame. In 1981 Ronald Reagan’s appearance attracted 400 protesters who opposed his policies and another 400 counter-protesters; and in 2001, protesters greeted a newly elected George W. Bush, says the Sun-Times.