When Vice President Mike Pence took the stage for Notre Dame’s graduation ceremony this past weekend, over 100 graduates stood up—not to applaud, but to exit the event in a silent act of defiance. Their departure was a protest against Pence and his controversial agenda.
Traditionally, Notre Dame, a Catholic university, invites the newly elected President to deliver the commencement address. However, after more than 2,000 students and faculty members signed a petition urging university president Rev. John Jenkins to reconsider inviting Trump, the invitation was instead extended to Pence, the former Governor of Indiana.
The protest was spearheaded by a student organization called We Stand Together (WST). They aimed to conduct their protest with utmost respect. Paul Browne, a spokesperson for the university, informed CNN that WST had communicated with campus authorities and law enforcement prior to the ceremony. “We’re not worried,” Browne stated ahead of the event. “We believe they will express their dissent respectfully.”
In a press release, WST outlined their motivations for the walkout, highlighting Pence’s record of undermining civil rights for the LGBT+ community, endorsing Trump’s travel ban, opposing sanctuary cities, and rejecting the Syrian refugee resettlement program. “These policies have systematically marginalized our vulnerable neighbors based on their religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation,” WST declared. The protest aimed to raise awareness while standing in solidarity with those affected.
While Pence didn’t address the departing students directly, he did express his disapproval of what he perceives as excessive political correctness on college campuses, criticizing policies that he believes suppress free speech. “Too many campuses have been characterized by speech codes, safe zones, and tone policing—all amounting to the suppression of freedom of speech,” Pence remarked. Ironically, the students who left couldn’t hear his comments—so much for that burn, Pence!
Their right to peaceful protest is enshrined in the First Amendment, which states, “Congress shall make no law…abridging…the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” These graduates notified the university of their intentions and executed their protest in a manner that minimized disruption. This is democracy in action, not a bunch of “liberal snowflakes” throwing a tantrum.
Pence was the last speaker on the agenda, and those who walked out were unfortunately barred from returning, meaning they missed the traditional tassel-turning ceremony that marks graduation. Nevertheless, these students learned invaluable lessons in courage and standing up for their beliefs during their time at Notre Dame.
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In summary, over 100 Notre Dame graduates staged a silent protest against Vice President Mike Pence during their graduation ceremony, voicing their objections to his policies. Their actions highlighted the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs in a peaceful manner, showcasing the essence of democracy.