April 1st, 2009
University tightly controls “debate” on commencement invite
The invitation of President Barack Obama to be Notre Dame’s commencement speaker this year has sparked not just a campus discussion, but a national controversy. Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C., has justified his decision to invite Obama for many reasons, but most notably that extending the invitation will serve as a basis for engaging Obama in dialogue about life-related issues.
According to Father Jenkins’ press release, “The invitation…should not be taken as condoning or endorsing [Obama’s] positions on specific issues regarding the protection of human life, including abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Yet, we see his visit as a basis for further positive engagement.”
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