It is that time of year when “Pomp and Circumstance” is played in gymnasiums, auditoriums and on ball fields across the land as students proudly receive diplomas and degrees signifying their academic accomplishments. This was no exception last week at one of this nation’s best known Catholic colleges. However, at Notre Dame University the fanfare was followed by an embarrassing moment.
Several dozen students walked out of the exercise when the keynote speaker was introduced. As Vice President of the United States Mike Pence took to the podium, those who chose to exercise their free speech and freedom of expression walked out on him, on their classmates, and on the university. Accusing the White House of being intolerant to their views, these young men and women chose not to hear what the vice president would say in this nonpolitical setting.
Many would argue that these actions, although in most cases a comparable few, are systemic of larger generational problems of many institutes of higher education. While preaching and teaching tolerance for all, they have produced some of the most vocal and intolerant activists. Seemingly unable or unwilling to listen to opposing views and formulate convincing verbal arguments to win others to their cause, they take to extreme measures – violent protests, blocking highways, disrupting the lives of unwilling participants in their pursuit for attention to a cause. In doing so they do not realize that they do not win new sympathizers to their causes, but bring shame and embarrassment to themselves and others. At a cost of $70,000 a year, their parents must be so proud.
