South Bend, Ind., Sep 23, 2009 / 04:08 am
Respected Notre Dame law professor emeritus Charles E. Rice has criticized University of Notre Dame President Fr. John I. Jenkins’ announcement of new pro-life initiatives, saying they will be regarded only as a “cosmetic covering” unless charges are dropped against pro-life protesters arrested during President Barack Obama’s commencement speech.
In a September 21 open letter to Fr. Jenkins, Prof. Rice expressed appreciation for the university president’s professed support for the pro-life cause in his letter about the initiatives.
He also joined President Jenkins in praising the work for the Women’s Care Center and suggested he invite the pro-life pregnancy support organization to open an on-campus office.
Turning to Fr. Jenkins’ announcement of the formation of the Task Force on Supporting the Choice for Life, Prof. Rice voiced agreement with alumnus William Dempsey, who has criticized “the obviously deliberate exclusion” of anyone associated with “unashamedly and actively pro-life” organizations like the Center for Ethics & Culture and the Notre Dame Fund for the protection of Human Life.