“Notre Dame would die before giving us ‘Sex and the City.‘”
My friend’s text was spot on. She saw Northwestern’s announcement on Instagram, and she was annoyed. Annoyed not only because she was somewhat jealous that Sarah Jessica Parker is their commencement speaker. Annoyed because she was reminded of Notre Dame’s past. Annoyed at political controversies staining a day of celebration.
She sent a screenshot, which ignited a group chat into a flaming debate — who should Notre Dame invite as commencement speaker?
“I feel like they need to do someone who is either an immigrant or immigration advocate,” someone wrote.
“At this point, I kinda want someone not in politics,” another said. “Lorde would be ideal.”
(No, I did not write that one or any of these.)
In a different group chat, I asked the same question.
Rachel Sennott, someone said. Odessa A’Zion. Wendy Williams. Zendaya. Someone texted Drew Barrymore.
“No, she’d flirt with undergrads.”
The only consensus my friends had: We don’t want politicians. We know how that will play out.
In 2009, some graduates staged a walk out during President Barack Obama’s speech. In 2017, dozens of students fled commencement when Vice President Mike Pence began addressing students. Many other presidents have been invited as commencement speakers: Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. These announcements and ceremonies, too, have been controversial.
Last year, too many debates were spurred in this newspaper. An editorial called for President Trump to speak, and a dissenting editorial called for the opposite. Letters to the editor followed suit, intensifying the already palpable polarization.
Right now, polarized politics prevail. They show the worst in ourselves, our neighbors, our society in an attempt to achieve an ideal, just society. But we know what happens when we invite politicians to the stadium.
This academic year, Charlie Kirk’s assassination and Susan Ostermann’s brief appointment taught me many lessons as opinion editor. The biggest perception: Campus is too fragile for most advocates or politicians — even a moderate of any party — to stand in front of us 2,000-something graduates on a sunny Sunday in May.
No political figure can heal a broken America, certainly not through a graduation speech. Commencement is not an invitation for fiery rhetoric. It’s a moment for the class to be together, hearing one voice that was thoughtfully chosen to represent the pursuit of the common good.
That’s why I’m suggesting Dr. Robert Winn, a Notre Dame alum of 1987. Winn is the first elected minority president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes, director of Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and board member of the American Cancer Society. He’s also not a political figure.
His research illuminates the societal and physical factors that may lead to healthcare disparities, especially for those diagnosed with lung cancer. His efforts to connect disempowered communities to medicine are something I hope all of the Notre Dame family can find consensus.
An address from Winn would show Notre Dame’s commitment to uplifting voices that are known but not always seen as much as they should be. Many commencement speakers are examined and scrutinized for their social stances and past controversial remarks. Choosing Winn, or someone with similar credibility and attention from the public eye, would preserve the intent of graduation.
The Observer’s majority editorial last year said, “Notre Dame’s relationship with the civil fabric of this nation — and its head of state — is a special one.” I agree. Everyone should respectfully engage with each other on campus in an open dialogue, and politicians are at the forefront of that priority.
However, May 17 is not the day for Notre Dame to give a microphone to politics or attempt to heal the social veil of a broken nation. One commencement can’t do that. Any politician risks sparking dialogue that distracts from the true meaning of graduation. Graduation should be about our grit, accomplishments, family, friends and faith.
It’s not about Iran or Gaza.
It’s not about abortion, guns or elections.
It’s not about a Democrat or Republican.
It’s not about politics.
Redmond "Reddy" Bernhold is The Observer's opinion editor emeritus and a senior studying biochemistry and journalism. He originally hails from Minster, Ohio but calls Siegfried Hall his home on campus. When not writing, he explores South Bend coffee shops and thrift stores. You can contact Reddy at rbernho2@nd.edu.
