South Bend, Ind., Apr 6, 2009 / 15:36 pm
A protest by about 150 Notre Dame students occupied the area in front of the university's administration building on Sunday afternoon as they objected to the invitation of President Obama to speak at the university's commencement. The students said that refusing to honor Obama with a doctor of laws degree would be an acceptable compromise.
The Palm Sunday rally outside the famous building crowned by the iconic golden statue of the Virgin Mary was organized by ND Response, a coalition of student groups formed to offer a coordinated response from student organizations to the Obama invitation.
Organizers gave white carnations and pamphlets to the crowd as well as urging people to write letters to university's president, Fr. John Jenkins, asking that the honorary degree be withdrawn.
Emily Toates, a senior who is vice president of Notre Dame Right to Life, explained that following the stance of some Catholic bishops, "ND Response" was no longer calling for Fr. Jenkins to withdraw the invitation for Obama to speak at the May 17 graduation ceremony.