Over 100 students at Notre Dame chose to leave their graduation ceremony this past weekend as a form of silent protest against Vice President Mike Pence’s commencement speech. As Pence took the stage, these graduates stood up—not to applaud, but to exit the venue in a demonstration against his policies and ideologies.
Traditionally, the President is invited to deliver the commencement address at this Catholic university. However, following a petition signed by over 2,000 students and faculty requesting that university president Rev. John Jenkins not invite Donald Trump, the invitation was extended to Pence, who previously served as Governor of Indiana.
The protest was organized by a student group called We StaND For. They aimed to conduct their protest with respect and consideration, coordinating with campus police and administrators before the event. Paul Browne, a Notre Dame spokesperson, expressed confidence that the students would express their dissent in a respectful manner. “We’re not concerned,” Browne stated prior to the event. “We think they will be respectful in the way they express their differences with the administration.”
In a press release, the student group elaborated on the motivations behind their walkout. They highlighted Pence’s actions perceived as detrimental to the civil rights of the LGBT+ community, his backing of Trump’s travel ban, opposition to sanctuary cities, and his rejection of the Syrian refugee resettlement program. “These policies have marginalized our vulnerable sisters and brothers for their religion, skin color, or sexual orientation,” the group emphasized. Their goal was to protest while also standing in solidarity with those affected by these policies.
While Pence did not directly address the students who departed early, he did criticize the prevalence of “safe spaces” and “speech codes” on college campuses in his speech, suggesting that such measures suppress freedom of expression. Ironically, his comments did not reach the students who had left, showcasing a disconnect between his message and the actions of the protestors.
The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental aspect of the First Amendment. The students’ decision to notify the university of their intentions and to conduct their protest in a non-disruptive manner exemplifies civic engagement, not an overreaction or political correctness.
Despite missing the traditional tassel-turning ceremony that marks graduation, those who walked out undoubtedly learned valuable lessons about courage and standing up for their beliefs during their time at Notre Dame.
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In summary, over 100 Notre Dame graduates protested against Vice President Pence’s address during their graduation ceremony, leaving in silent dissent against his policies, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. Their actions reflect a commitment to civic engagement and standing up for their beliefs, showcasing the importance of respectful protest in a democratic society.