Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker recently sparked outrage at Benedictine College with his commencement speech, where he expressed controversial views on gender roles and Pride Month. While Butker and the school have remained silent on the matter, graduates have been left to deal with the fallout. Many students were shocked at Butker’s comments, with some finding them uncomfortable and disheartening.
During his speech, Butker criticized President Joe Biden, abortion, IVF, and the response to Covid-19. He also spoke out against Pride Month, calling it an example of deadly sin. Butker directed his comments towards women, suggesting that their most important role is being homemakers. He also emphasized the importance of marriage and children, causing some graduates to react with gasps and irritation.
Despite the backlash, some students at Benedictine College defended Butker’s remarks, stating that they should be understood in the context of the conservative Catholic values of the institution. However, critics argue that Butker’s comments were inappropriate and out of place for a graduation ceremony. The Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, the founding institution of the college, expressed disappointment in Butker’s speech, stating that it does not align with the values of the college.
At the conclusion of Butker’s speech, there was a mix of applause and booing from the audience. Some students remained seated and booed, expressing their disapproval of Butker’s message. Despite the controversy, Butker received support from some attendees who felt that his comments were being taken out of context and that the backlash was unwarranted. The incident has raised questions about the role of conservative values in higher education institutions and sparked a debate about the appropriate boundaries for commencement speeches.
In the aftermath of the speech, graduates like Kyra Misuraca and Susannah Leisegang have called for an explanation or an apology from school administrators. They feel that Butker’s speech overshadowed the significance of the graduation ceremony and hope that the controversy will be addressed by the school. Misuraca emphasized the need for clarification, while Leisegang demanded an apology for the discomfort caused by Butker’s remarks. The incident has highlighted the challenges of navigating differing opinions and values in academic settings.
