Editorial: Show respect

Graduations are about precious memories. But unfortunately, today's graduation at the University of Notre Dame may become an event its attendees will want to forget.

That's if it is marred by anti-abortion protesters who have vowed to disrupt the ceremony because it will include a speech by President Obama. The president is being vilified for being pro-choice, and for freeing more federal funds for stem-cell research. Obama also wants to reduce abortions by providing more social services that help women decide not to terminate a pregnancy.

That doesn't satisfy groups such as Operation Rescue, whose founder, Randall Terry, was arrested on trespassing charges at Notre Dame two weeks ago. He was pushing a baby stroller that carried a doll drenched in fake blood. Another group, the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, has hired planes to fly over Notre Dame with banners showing photos of aborted fetuses.

Alan Keyes, the Republican nominee trounced by Obama in 2004's Illinois U.S. Senate race, wants to be arrested at Notre Dame - a la Martin Luther King Jr. He has asked other pro-life protesters to join him in jail for their cause.

This is an emotional issue, and it's understandable that members of the Catholic Church, which opposes abortion, would question Obama's receiving an honorary degree from a Catholic school. But a planned prayer vigil on campus would allow them to protest without ruining graduation.

They also should heed the words of Notre Dame's president, the Rev. John Jenkins, who beautifully explained why Obama was invited:

"You cannot change the world if you shun the people you want to persuade, and if you cannot persuade them, show respect for them and listen to them."