<p>No matter who the commencement speaker is, there will be complaints.</p>
<p>For the two BC commencements I attended (one for my brother, one for myself), we had two political figures: [Janet</a> Reno](<a href=“http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/rvp/pubaf/chronicle/v5/My23/commencement.html]Janet”>http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/rvp/pubaf/chronicle/v5/My23/commencement.html) and [Richard</a> Riley](<a href=“http://www.ed.gov/Speeches/05-2000/000522.html]Richard”>http://www.ed.gov/Speeches/05-2000/000522.html), the Secretary of Education at that time. Both, though Reno more than Riley, drew protest.</p>
<p>Regarding Mary Daly, if you’re familiar with [academic</a> freedom](<a href=“http://www.aaup.org/statements/Redbook/1940stat.htm]academic”>http://www.aaup.org/statements/Redbook/1940stat.htm), you know that a professor can’t be penalized for ideas. Excluding men from class, yes. Being pro-abortion, no. I was doing my grad work at BC during the build up to her “expulsion” and was working there when she was actually sent packing. Good riddance! A true educator would allow all voices at the table.</p>
<p>Which, interestingly, is the reason I have no problem with Rice speaking. I find conferting and honor on her a bit problematic, but realize that the awarding of an honorary degree comes along with having a commencement speaker.</p>