Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker recently delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College that has ignited a fierce debate. Butker's remarks, which touched on topics such as gender roles and Catholic values, have sparked widespread discussion and criticism.

The Speech That Stirred the Pot

In his commencement address, Butker touched on several controversial topics, including his belief that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman. He also criticized Catholics who support abortion rights, COVID-19 lockdowns, and what he termed "dangerous gender ideologies."

Butker's comments have drawn criticism from a wide range of individuals, including professional athletes, celebrities, pundits, and even some of the graduates themselves. Some have praised Butker for speaking his mind, while others have condemned his remarks as out of touch and offensive.

Reactions and Responses

The reaction to Butker's speech has been mixed. While he received a standing ovation at the ceremony, some graduates, such as Susannah Leisegang, expressed their disapproval. Leisegang, who booed during the speech, noted that many of the men in attendance were supportive of Butker's views, while many of the women were not.
Kassidy Neuner, another graduate, found Butker's comments to be degrading, pointing out that men can also be homemakers. She highlighted the fact that many women do not have the financial option to stay at home, and that suggesting otherwise is classist and racist.

However, not all of the graduates were critical of Butker's speech. ValerieAnne Volpe praised Butker for delivering a message that she believes many people are afraid to say. She noted that her father, who was in the audience during the speech, was supportive of Butker's views on family values.

A Larger Debate

The controversy surrounding Butker's speech reflects larger debates within the Catholic Church and Catholic higher education. Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, expressed her dismay at Butker's remarks, noting that they do not reflect the views of all Catholics or Catholic institutions.

McGuire pointed out that many Catholic colleges and universities were founded by nuns, who historically served as trustees, administrators, and faculty members. She argued that Butker's comments were insulting to working women, including those who helped build Catholic institutions.

Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University, also expressed surprise at Butker's selection as a commencement speaker. He noted that while Benedictine College is known for its conservative views, Butker's speech was not representative of the ideological nuance that exists on campus.

Faggioli suggested that the controversy should serve as a lesson to other colleges and universities about the potential pitfalls of inviting controversial speakers to campus events. He argued that such choices can end up making the institution appear one-dimensional and can alienate members of the community who do not share the speaker's views.

The controversy over Harrison Butker's commencement speech at Benedictine College has highlighted the ongoing debates within the Catholic Church and Catholic higher education. While some have praised Butker for speaking his mind, others have condemned his remarks as offensive and out of touch.

The reaction to Butker's speech underscores the diversity of opinions within the Catholic community, as well as the challenges faced by institutions seeking to uphold Catholic values while also embracing modernity. As these debates continue, it is clear that the issue of gender roles and Catholic values will remain a topic of intense discussion and debate for the foreseeable future.