Controversy swirling around President Barack Obama's commencement
address at the University of Notre Dame this weekend has generated more
heat than light. As a Notre Dame alumnus and former student body
president, I invite civil dialogue about this issue -- especially since
part of our university's mission is to foster "the presence and voices
of diverse scholars and students." Regrettably, those more concerned
with scoring political points and stoking the flames of our nation's
culture wars have attempted to thwart this proud intellectual tradition.
Let's look at the facts. For decades, presidents of both political
parties have come to Notre Dame as commencement speakers to address such
profound issues as poverty, peace building, international affairs and
human rights. When I was a student, George W. Bush visited the
university. Along with many other Catholics, I found his positions on
the death penalty, imprudent use of military power and contempt for
international human rights treaties unconscionable. But he was the
president of the United States. His visit fostered open discussion of,
and free inquiry into, urgent issues of our time. Why should president
Obama's visit be viewed any differently?
Most students and professors at my alma mater are proud that our
nation's first African-American president will speak at the graduation
ceremony. Whether worshiping amid the stained-glassed beauty of Sacred
Heart Basilica or studying in the scholastic silence of Hesburgh
library, Notre Dame taught us the virtues of prudence and reasoned
engagement with the world outside the confines of our college community.
I have fond memories of my days exploring science, religion and
literature in classrooms where faith and reason did not clash, but
together nourished minds and hearts in the pursuit of excellence. Many
of us hope that outside interest groups will not hijack this treasured
heritage.
Catholic teaching about the sanctity of human life is clear. As Notre
Dame President Fr. John Jenkins has stated, this invitation is not an
endorsement of all of President Obama's political views. Instead, it is
a proper recognition of a president who is leading our nation in
perilous times, and who engaged young citizens in the political process
in ways unseen in a generation. President Obama has spoken eloquently
about the American experience and his speech should provide a unique
opportunity for students to hear personally from a committed world
leader facing daunting challenges. As John Quinn, Archbishop Emeritus of
San Francisco has said about President Obama's appearance, it "is in the
interest of both the church and the nation if both work together in
civility, honesty, and friendship for the common good where there are
grave divisions, as there are on abortion."
While acknowledging fundamental disagreements on issues, both the
Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sent congratulatory
messages to President Obama after his election victory. Catholic
Charities USA and other faith-based advocates for the poor have
applauded his federal budget proposal as a welcome break from policies
that favored the privileged few over the common good. The president has
reached out to pro-life leaders and directed his senior staff, including
the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, to support a
range of programs that will help strengthen families and prevent
abortions. When it comes to fighting for health care as a human right,
compassionate immigration reform and a range of social programs that
help uplift the poor, President Obama's policy priorities align with
traditional Catholic values.
President Obama will not have the opportunity to shake every student's
hand or meet individually with each professor. But I do hope he takes
some time to listen as well as speak during his visit. In the voices of
students, priests and professors, the president will hear from Catholics
resolute in faith, gracious in spirit and eager to engage with him about
our most urgent moral and political challenges. This is the Notre Dame I
remember and love. This is the ideal of a Catholic university at work in
the world.
The writer was the Student Body President at the University of Notre
Dame in 2004-2005.