Nuns slam Harrison Butker’s college speech for ‘fostering division’
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In a shocking turn of events, NFL star Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas has sparked controversy and criticism from the school’s nuns. The speech, which took place last week, has been denounced by the nuns for being out of touch and fostering division within the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college community.
During his address, Butker made several controversial statements, including labeling LGBTQ+ Pride month as “sinful” and suggesting that female students would be happiest as homemakers, like his wife. These comments have not only sparked outrage among students and faculty but have also prompted the nuns of Mount St. Scholastica, the founding institution and sponsor of Benedictine College, to speak out against Butker’s divisive rhetoric.
In a Facebook post on 16 May, the nuns expressed their disappointment in Butker’s remarks, stating that his comments did not align with the values of inclusivity and unity that the school upholds. They emphasized that the school aims to be an inclusive and welcoming community that embraces Benedictine values, which include love, prayer, stability, obedience, humility, stewardship, and community.
The nuns also highlighted the importance of rejecting narrow definitions of Catholicism and promoting the teachings of the Gospel, St. Benedict, Vatican II, and Pope Francis. They emphasized that the school has taught young women and men to create compassionate and welcoming environments where all individuals can thrive and be their best selves.
Amid the backlash surrounding Butker’s speech, Whoopi Goldberg, host of “The View,” came to the football star’s defense. Goldberg defended Butker’s right to voice his opinions, even if they differ from her own or others’. She addressed the sexist and anti-LGBTQ+ nature of Butker’s comments on a recent episode of “The View,” highlighting the importance of respecting diverse perspectives.
Despite the criticism and calls for consequences, Butker has remained silent on the matter. The NFL has clarified that Butker’s speech reflected his personal views and not those of the league as an organization.
As the fallout from Butker’s controversial speech continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity, unity, and respect for all individuals within academic and professional settings. The incident at Benedictine College sheds light on the ongoing challenges of navigating sensitive topics and differing viewpoints in today’s society.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Harrison Butker’s commencement speech serves as a cautionary tale about the power of words and the impact they can have on communities. It also underscores the ongoing need for dialogue, understanding, and empathy in addressing complex issues related to gender, sexuality, and diversity. As we move forward, it is crucial to strive for inclusivity and unity while respecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of all individuals.
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NFL star Harrison Butker
