Prof Mary Ann Glendon declines Notre Dame's highest honor
April 28, 2009
From Gibbs' press briefing yesterday. A final question about the Professor Glendon's recognition at Notre Dame basically is being taken away by barry. He could have refused the degree and he could still have done the commencement speech. She was invited in Dec 08 - he March 09. Change races - would that ever happen?
Typical Gibbs he doesn't know what she said so he'll check.
April 27 WH Transcript:
Q Sort of a related issue, I guess. Today the former ambassador to the Vatican, Mary Ann Glendon, announced that she was declining the highest honor from Notre Dame and that was because the President is going to be giving the commencement speech there. Does the White House have any response to that at all?
MR. GIBBS: I don’t know. I have not seen whatever reasoning she might have given. I’ll continue to say this: The President looks forward — greatly looks forward to delivering the commencement address at Notre Dame. Obviously it’s a — any commencement is a very special occasion for students and families that are involved. I think Notre Dame has a strong record of healthy exchange of differing viewpoints and ideas. The President is glad and fortunate to have supporters of all faiths and looks forward to delivering that commencement address.
Q Can I just follow up, though, one more thing — there’s been some reports that Notre Dame does expect him to wear the traditional robe of the Prayer to Virgin Mary. Is that –
MR. GIBBS: I will check. I honestly don’t know what the dress code is for that day, but I can assume if — the President will wear what one traditionally wears for that commencement and looks forward to doing it.
Thank you, all.
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