The Naked Truth

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President Barack Obama at Notre Dame

By
Hilliard Lackey
Columnist

Future commencement speakers and recipients of honorary degrees at prestigious Notre Dame will have to pass the test of perfection in order to meet the new requirements imposed residually by protestors railing against President Barack Obama, a pro choice speaker and honorary degree recipient.

Obama is guardedly still arriving at a hard-fast stand on abortion by alluding to it as a matter that should be decided by women. Meanwhile, he has made two decisions that favor pro-choice: (1) he has withdrawn federal funding from abstinence–only programs and (2) approved funding for stem cell research that involves discarded embryonic umbilical cords after an abortion.   Many experts claim abstinence-only programs are ineffective and there is also the argument that discarded umbilical cords might as well be put to good use. In all other matters, President Obama is pro-life. 

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs revealed Friday that the president would acknowledge the controversy during his remarks at Notre Dame. "I think the president is somebody who has taught in a university setting, would understand that this is exactly the type of give and take that's had on college campuses all over the country," said Gibbs.

In a letter to graduates on Monday, Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins acknowledged the debate surrounding Obama's visit and reiterated both his and the university's stance on abortion.

"I am saddened that many friends of Notre Dame have suggested that our invitation to President Obama indicates ambiguity in our position on matters of Catholic teaching," Jenkins wrote. "The university and I are unequivocally committed to the sanctity of human life and to its protection from conception to natural death."

"Ultimately, I hope that the conversations and the good that will come from this day will contribute to closer relations between Catholics and public officials who make decisions on matter of human life and human dignity," Jenkins wrote. "There is much to admire and celebrate in the life and work of President Obama."

Notre Dame has consistently invited sitting United States presidents to serve as commencement speakers and just as consistently conferred upon each an honorary doctorate. Among the honored presidents have been, can we say, less than perfect practitioners of Catholic values.

In the evolution of things, no one can blame the small minority protesting President Obama’s abortion policy. Change is wrought by minorities going against the grain and pushing the majority to bend or break. The precedent is being set however for future sitting U.S. presidents to have views and values consistent with those of Notre Dame or they too will be protested. There is the rub. “Unless you are like us, think like us, talk like us, than you are not welcome” is a dangerous stance for an institution of higher learning to take. Free and open discourse on topics and differences of opinion on matters should never be discouraged or impeded at the highest level of thinking that universities represent.

“Protest and college campus go hand in hand,” said Rae Goldsmith of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. “Colleges promote intellectual diversity and free speech.” The Kansas Star noted the above and went a step further in its Kansas.Com edition by connecting commencement speakers with financial support of alumni and supporters. Fox News.Com carries an interesting report about financial backers taking sides in the Obama debate. “According to organizers of ReplaceJenkins.com, a Web site critical of Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins' decision to host President Obama, more than 1,400 pledges have been received from alumni and donors promising to withhold future donations, a tally of nearly $14 million.”

Those in favor of President Obama speaking took to the Internet for some 40, 000 persons of various backgrounds including student, alumnus, clergy, Catholic, or concerned citizen to sign an online petition.

 

The Petition

As an American proud of our nation's tradition of civil dialogue and religious pluralism, I stand with Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins and his decision to invite President Barack Obama to speak at the 2009 graduation commencement.

For decades, presidents of both political parties have been invited to Notre Dame for this occasion to engage in rigorous discourse about the most pressing issues of our day. Presidents have addressed such essential issues as international affairs, peace building, poverty, and human rights. Through this invitation, Fr. Jenkins is honoring the best of our nation's democratic and religious values.

While some partisan groups driven by narrow ideological agendas are attempting to smear the Notre Dame community for extending this invitation, I agree with Fr. Jenkins' statement that Notre Dame is justly honoring our nation's first African American president - an "inspiring leader who faces many challenges."

The Washington Post reported “As expected, a few hundred anti-abortion protesters gathered outside the gates of the university as Obama spoke, waving signs and chanting protests. Police arrested several people.”

In his speech, President Obama addressed diversity of viewpoints. "Remember, too, that the ultimate irony of faith is that it necessarily admits doubt," he said. "This doubt should not push us away from our faith. But it should humble us. It should temper our passions, and cause us to be wary of self-righteousness."

The Naked Truth: Notre Dame is certainly not alone when it comes to protesting commencement speakers. Commencement speakers in a sense represent the greatness of the graduating class. In that sense, having President Obama was right on target. To single out one of his not so hard-fast developed policies (pro-life or pro-choice) could very well be the wind gust that makes the 44th president take a hard stance one way or the other. Still, fallout from this year’s protest by a vocal minority and the withholding of funds by some alumni and friends will be felt whenever the 45th or 46th president accepts an invitation to serve as commencement speaker and receive an honorary degree.

Dr. Hilliard Lackey is a columnist, Higher Education and History/Geography Professor.

Email hlackey@bellsouth.net.