Mary K. Daly, President, Notre Dame Right to Life, wrote today that a new student group was forming on campus at Notre Dame to protest the school’s honoring of President Barack Obama.
She wrote:
To ensure that the cries of outrage and worry expressed by so many who love Our Lady’s University do not go unheard, a coalition of numerous Notre Dame student groups has been formed. This coalition, ND Response, aims to lead the efforts of all those wishing for a reaction to Notre Dame’s decision. ND Response has issued a public statement…and launched a website (www.NDResponse.com) that I sincerely recommend you look at as we move forward in our response campaign.
The new group, NDResponse, has a mission statement:
In defense of the unborn, we wish to express our deepest opposition to Reverend John I. Jenkins, CSC’s invitation of President Barack Obama to be the University of Notre Dame’s principle commencement speaker and the recipient of an honorary degree. Our objection is not a matter of political partisanship, but of President Obama’s hostility to the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sanctity of human life at its earliest stages. Further, the University’s decision runs counter to the policy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops against honoring pro-choice politicians. We cannot sit by idly while the University honors someone who believes that an entire class of human beings is undeserving of the most basic of all legal rights, the right to live.
Additionally, Fr. Jenkins has put some of his students into a position of moral dilemma as to whether they can attend their own graduation. Many pro-life seniors, along with their families, now feel personally conflicted about participating in the commencement. The lack of concern for these devoted sons and daughters of Notre Dame, who love this University and the Catholic principles on which it was built, is shameful.
An Ad Hoc committee sponsored by a coalition of University-sponsored student groups has been organized to lead student response. These groups include Notre Dame Right to Life, Jus Vitae (Notre Dame Law School Right to Life), the Irish Rover independent student newspaper, Notre Dame College Republicans, The University of Notre Dame Anscombe Society, The Identity Project of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Militia Immaculata, Notre Dame Children of Mary, the Orestes Brownson Council, Notre Dame Law St. Thomas More Society, and the Federalist Society of the Notre Dame Law School.
No word yet on what they intend to do but keep an eye out for them as we surely will too.
March 25, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Those students should not let this hold them back from attending commencement. But, if they had to, maybe, turn their backs to him in quiet protest during his speech then…
If anything it would be a good education for those that are against the EF on what turning your back on someone really is. 🙂
March 25, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I look forward to this demonstration. It can be the rallying center for this new phase in the war for the unborn. I was right in my faith in the young and their commitment to their ideals. This is the impetus that the pro-life movement needs. I hope this spirit of ND catches on and spreads among the young. I thank God already because I know that this is the response to Obama’s abortion offensive. I shall be praying for the success of this endeavor. Let’s protect the Mother of Life, Notre Dame.
March 25, 2009 at 6:27 pm
A fantastic, open letter by Alan Keyes to Fr. Jenkins.
Mum26
March 25, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I was thinking of a field of empty chairs myself, but then, this is a graduation these young folks have earned. This event should not be polluted by the presence of a man so singularly lacking in basic concepts of right and wrong.
Perhaps the graduates can pray the Rosary for the duration of Antiochus Epiphanes’ speech, and neither applaud him nor boo him, nor acknowledge his presence in any way. Dignity always.
When I graduated from the University of San Diego in 1976 our class was blessed with the brilliant, witty, and always gentlemanly Art Buchwald. As an observant Jew he was deeply honored to be asked to share that long-ago day with us.
March 25, 2009 at 7:52 pm
None of today’s “outraged” protesters had much to say when pro-choice, pro-death penalty, pro-war, pro-torture Condoleezza Rice spoke at Notre Dame’s commencement. At least President Obama agrees with the Catholic Church on most of these issues.
Support the University’s decision. Sign the petition:
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/4ObamaatND
.
March 25, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I reviewed the previous poster’s link.
Interesting, a whopping 284 supporters of Molloch Obama speaking at commencement vs. over 100,000 against.
Maybe McCain should ask for a recount.
March 25, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Anon… what a waste of time for you to even try to compare Rice with Obama and this outrage. Therefore I’m not going to waste my time pointing out the obvious differences that even my children can tell you as to why Rice wasn’t a threat to Catholic teaching versus why Obama is.
The Church makes it VERY clear as to which political “issue” is most important… and that’s LIFE. Obama does NOT respect our view at all. So stop trying to steal $100 from someone while handing them a $20 saying “Here, it’s alright, I’m not taking ALL your money.”
March 26, 2009 at 3:42 am
ND Response has a few events listed now, including Red Envelope-ND edition. Anyone sending red envelopes to Obama on Mar 31 might consider sending one to Fr. Jenkins as well, since he can hand-deliver it at commencement (see the ND-response webpage for details).
–grieved ND alumna
March 27, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Just wanted to let you know oceans of people are behind you and I am proud of you. The Blessed Virgin must surely be smiling. I will pray for you all. It’s sad that one person could ruin a day that you have worked long and hard for. Perhaps the turning your back thing would have great impact. If there is a protest, I may just drive down there and support you. I think Mr. Obama should do the graceful thing and stay home.
Grammy in Northern Illinois