CAMPUS

Why Obama Could Cost Jenkins His Job

As resistance to President Obama’s commencement address at Notre Dame becomes more defined, it seems clear that the resolve of the university’s administration has stiffened. University President Father Jenkins, C.S.C. has reiterated his invitation to the President, claiming that under no circumstances will the invite be revoked. Some Catholic bishops have condemned the invitation because of Obama’s pro-life policies. It is significant to note that the claim of the bishops and alumni is not without standing as the university failed to invite President Clinton because of similar concerns. The alumni and student body have formed a petition to convince Jenkins of the widespread dissatisfaction resulting from a pro-life politician speaking at the most critical moment of the academic year. This petition has receiving stunning support, and implicates a dark future for Jenkins’ job security.

If the students and alumni are really serious about defeating this secularization of Notre Dame, they should concentrate on removing Jenkins. The alumni represent the core of Notre Dame. They always have and always will. I have never seen such a tight alumni network that literally stretches around the world. If the alumni refuse to give voluntary donations to the university until Jenkins is removed, I guarantee he will be removed within a week. This will send a strong signal that Notre Dame grads and undergrads alike will not stand for policies that contradict the fundamental values the university was founded upon.

On a wider scale, removing Jenkins would have implications for Catholic institutions across the nation. Former PA senator Rick Santorum, while recently speaking at Boston College, noted that Jenkins has “unloosed the gates of hell against Notre Dame” (which received a rather ruckus applause from the BC student body). This is indeed true. Notre Dame has the opportunity to set a new tone for Catholic institutions across the nation. There are few things which can cause Notre Dame and Boston College students to get together, but this is certainly one. Let’s work together to get Jenkins removed.