Honoring Kathleen Sebelius: Georgetown Does the Unthinkable
Posted by John Jansen (May 7, 2012 at 4:39 pm)
It’s hard to not sound over-the-top in describing how much of an outrage it is that the speaker at Georgetown University’s School of Public Policy diploma ceremony on May 18 will be none other than Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
The fact that the nominally Catholic architect of the HHS Mandate — which has been publicly denounced by every single bishop who leads a diocese in the U.S. — is being granted this honor by America’s oldest Catholic university is hard to believe.
Yet at the same time, given the history of the choice of commencement speakers at some other reputable Catholic universities in recent years, it isn’t hard to believe at all.
A “Direct Challenge” to the U.S. Bishops
Clearly, as the Cardinal Newman Society (CNS) observes, Georgetown’s invitation to Sebelius “can only be interpreted as a direct challenge to America’s Catholic bishops.”
Although this page on Georgetown’s website on Friday listed Sebelius as one of several speakers who will take part in “Commencement 2012,” a university spokesman is now claiming that she is not, in fact, a commencement speaker:
“Secretary Sebelius is not speaking at Georgetown’s commencement. She is speaking at Georgetown Public Policy Institute’s annual student and faculty awards event,” Georgetown spokesman Rachel Pugh said in an email to The Cardinal Newman Society.
“Georgetown has 28 ceremonies to honor the achievements of our graduates and our faculty. We have 10 official commencement ceremonies to award degrees for the different schools within the university, and 18 other awards ceremonies to honor student and faculty achievements. We do not have one main commencement speaker. The GPPI ceremony is one event during commencement weekend, but it is not a commencement ceremony (degrees are not conferred),” the email continued.
Call it a “commencement,” call it a “diploma ceremony,” call it whatever you want.
This pathetic attempt at hairsplitting does nothing to change the fact that Georgetown University is honoring Kathleen Sebelius by inviting her to speak to the graduates of its Public Policy Institute.
And that’s outrageous.
Sign the Petition
CNS has a petition urging Georgetown President John DeGioia to withdraw Kathleen Sebelius’ invitation immediately.
You can sign it here.
[…] Honoring Kathleen Sebelius: Georgetown Does the Unthinkable. […]
May 7th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Authentic communication is key to resolution. Choose wisely the context. Listen, challenge, respect, exchange – reflect, pray. Be honest with self and others. Persevere.
May 8th, 2012 at 9:36 am
no one can be persecuted for their sexuality as it is proven it is not a option,
however people CAN be persecuted on their religion because its their choice to have that religion
May 8th, 2012 at 2:59 pm
I would have expected much more from Georgetown, I am very disappointed in this decision and if I had a child graduating, I would give him the choice to skip this ceremony. This is just as bad as obama at Notre Dame, give me a break, may God help us all.
May 8th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Considering Kathleen Sebelius, Sandra Fluke and covering up the crucifix because President Obama didn’t wish it to show when he spoke at Georgetown–this is obviously not the kind of Catholic college I would want to see anyone I know attend! How sad. May God have mercy on our beloved country.
May 9th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
I think Georgetown needs to quit claiming to be a Catholic institution. When you support and promote individuals who clearly do not follow the doctrine of the Church, how can you possibly claim to follow the faith? Give up the farce, Georgetown. You’re a private school masquerading as a Catholic school.
May 9th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!!
THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO PICK WHOEVER THEY WANT
May 12th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
I find it remarkable that Sebelius was asked to speak at the Public Policy Institute! It is ridiculous that she would be chosen to speak at a Catholic school. It’s even more ridiculous that after having bungled a policy so badly, she would be chosen to speak at even a secular school from a public policy standpoint. Well…I suppose we can learn from failed leaders as well.
May 12th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
[…] Archdiocese of Washington has sharply criticized Georgetown University’s decision to invite HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to address its School of Public Policy’s upcoming […]
May 16th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
As disgusting as it was to watch the smug Sebelius, it was worse to hear the grads shout down the hero who denounced this jezebel as the minions of the system dragged him out. Why did their mommies and daddies send them to such an expensive Catholic school?
OOPS! I think I just answered my own question. The mommies and daddies are no more Catholic than the apostate school is.
May 18th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
WHY DOES NOT THE CATHOLIC HI-ARCHY STOP THESE CATHOLIC COLLGEGES AND UNIVERSITIES FROM KEEPING THESE SO-CALL POLITIONS FROM SPEAKING AT OUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITY. THEY ARE GIVING THEM RIGHTS THAT DO NOT BELONG TO THESE PEOPLE THAT ARE AGAINST US AND FOR WHAT OUR RELIGION STANDS FOR. WHEN ARE WE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH GOING TO STOP THEM. MAYBE WE HAVE TO CHECK OUR POCKET BOOKS AND STOP GIVING THEM FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND THEN THEY WILL WAKE UP
June 1st, 2012 at 11:55 am