Notre Dame’s other controversial speaker

Back in 1984, Governor Mario Cuomo delivered what would become a very famous (or infamous) speech at the University of Notre Dame. In it, he challenged Catholic Church teaching on conscience and abortion. It gave pro-abortion Catholic politicians an out. And set the pro-life movement back years.

Now, the student group ND Response has invited Cuomo to a debate on “the contents and legacy” of that speech.

In light of the University of Notre Dame’s recent decision to honor President Obama, who strongly supports abortion rights, at this Catholic school’s commencement ceremony, Governor Cuomo’s remarks have been brought under renewed scrutiny. In its invitation, ND Response informed Governor Cuomo that the coalition hopes to “provide an opportunity to set the record straight on both the issues covered in the address and the reputation Governor Cuomo has garnered over the years as a result of his remarks.”

Aren’t these the very skills of intellectual inquiry and critical thinking our finest universities are trying to foster? I hope he accepts.

Cuomo’s original speech: “Religious Belief and Public Morality”.