Religion & Law

honoring political figures: another controversy at BC

By Richard Myers

I understand that there has been a lot of controversy at Boston College law school about honoring Attorney General Mukasey. As I understand things, Mukasey will be the commencement speaker at the law school's graduation ceremony but he won't receive the Founder's Medal, which has typically been awarded to commencement speakers.

I don't have a problem with the decision not to give Mukasey the award. I think it is a good thing that (Catholic) schools pay close attention to the people they honor. I don't think that Catholic schools should honor people who have views that are in conflict with authoritative Church teaching on important moral issues. I understand, though, that recent recipients of the Founder's Medal have included pro-choice politicians. Why should BC honor politicians with those records (e.g., a 100% NARAL rating) and not honor Mukasey?

Maybe someone who knows the facts here could provide some additional information.

Richard M.

Full post as published by Mirror of Justice on March 05, 2008 (boomark / email).