As both a proud Notre Dame law student and a conscientious Catholic, I share the excitement of my many colleagues who welcome President Obama to give our commencement address, as well as the chagrin of those who feel the invitation clouds our Catholic identity. I would invite those critical of the selection to note that the University has chosen to bestow its highest award, the Laetare Medal, upon the renowned pro-life, pro-family crusader Mary Ann Glendon. If Professor Glendon is willing to share the stage with President Obama at graduation, I am certainly willing to share the auditorium with him. As a former member of President Bush's Council on Bioethics, Professor Glendon could provide a healthy - and likely far more learned - counterpoint to Obama's pro-choice politics. The University would do well to allow her the opportunity to speak at length during the commencement activities as well.
David Roberts
third year law student
off-campus
March 23
