Notre Dame Students Protest Obama Peacefully
Seniors Will Boycott Their Own Graduation
Since late March, there has been much discussion, protest and defense of Notre Dame’s decision to invite President Barack Obama to give the class of 2009’s commencement speech, in addition to the presentation of an honorary law degree. Spiritual leaders, including priests and bishops as well as Vatican official Archbishop Raymond Burke have expressed their views, as has Human Life International President, Fr. Tom Euteneuer, a Notre Dame graduate.
Students Protest President Obama's Abortion Record
Students have engaged in the methodical planning of a boycott expressing their “deepest opposition in defense of the unborn to Fr. John Jenkins’s invitation of President Barack Obama to be the University of Notre Dame's principal commencement speaker and the recipient of an honorary degree" as stated on their coalition web site, ND Response. The coalition has also placed a professionally-produced video.
As of Tuesday, students associated with ND Response have obtained permission from the university to demonstrate peacefully in protest of President Obama’s participation in their graduation. FOX News reports: “the group claims that by honoring Obama, Notre Dame is sanctioning his positions on abortion and embryonic stem cell research, which the Catholic Church opposes.”
"While we respect the office of the president, we don't want to honor someone who goes so against fundamental Catholic beliefs," said Michele Sagala, a graduating senior.
Alternative Commencement And Events for Notre Dame Seniors
Approximately 1,800 students will graduate, while, so far, 20 to 50 students are expected to attend a prayer service which will be led by Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life. Fr. Pavone was invited to Notre Dame by the students to mark their alternative commencement at the university’s South quadrangle.
Notre Dame Seniors Michele Sagala and Andrew Chronister, both boycotting their graduations, were interviewed on the FOX News program, “On the Record,” by Greta Van Susteren. Both Sagala and Chronister said that their parents were supportive of their decision.
“They’re actually part of the reason why I've decided not to go to commencement; because of the support that they've shown,” said Sagala. Chronister added that their parents would be with them at their alternative commencement.
Regarding what the protesting students would be doing, Chronister answered, “Well, actually, as part of ND Response, which is the student coalition responding to this situation, we've planned a number of activities and events throughout the day…. during commencement, the seniors who aren't going to commencement will be hosting a prayer vigil at the Grotto on campus. Students plan to attend mass on the south quad, the largest quad on campus, followed by a rally. Speakers will include a number of ND-affiliates.
In response to Van Susteren’s question regarding the reception of previous pro-choice speakers, Senator Daniel Patrick “Pat” Moynihan of NY, now deceased, and Governor Mario Cuomo, also of NY, Sagala answered,
“That's before my time, Greta. I think that both of them did create a stir, from what I understand, when they did come to Notre Dame. I don't know whether I would have protested. I probably would have. We could hope that if the students that are now involved with ND Response had been around back then that they would respond in the same way.”
Preseident Obama
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