I do not agree with the response of some individuals, but I also do not  agree with having Obama speak at commencement. Notre Dame is an incredibly ideologically diverse institution. Their professors come from a number of stations in life, they are by no means giving a monolithic education Also, ND a private institution they can - and should - be able to choose who they wish to speak on campus. 

In my opinion, the administrators slipped up on this one. They had to realize that this choice would evoke backlash. Commencement is not the right venue to have someone who is ideologically opposed to something the institution is adamantly for. If Obama couldn't speak on campus at all, then I believe there is an issue. 

Just because Obama is the president does not mean that his words are or should be valued everywhere. It is possible to avidly disagree, but yet still acknowledge someone as a leader. That, in my mind, is what ND should have stood on.

Just as many were upset with Calvin, so ND alum and constituencies are upset with ND. 

I want to know why you believed Calvin's invitation to Bush reinforcing stereotypes? On the base level I understand - that does not need clarification. But I think assuming that something will reinforce stereotypes and speaking as if it will actually does more to fortify stereotypes and mis-persepctions than it would if we just accepted it as part of the culture - that doesn't mean we have to like it.. 

I personally wouldn't have asked Bush to speak - it was a dumb move  by administration.I also believe that Calvin had the right to invite bush and constituencies had the write to protest, just like this ND situation.

We have to be careful, if we are allowing people to stand up for what they believe in that means we have to be OK with Bush speaking at Calvin and Obama not speak at ND. Though they may disagree with own on views, people honestly do have that viewpoint.