ASU More Grounded Than Notre Dame

You have to ask yourself: what does ASU know that ND doesn't? It's almost comical when you have secular institutions acting in a more forthright manner than a Catholic university.

Arizona State University says they have no plans to honor President Obama with an honorary degree when he gives their commencement speech this spring. In fact, they have no plans to honor anybody this year as yet.

Notre Dame has angered faithful Catholics with its plans to confer an honorary degree in Law to Mr. Obama at its commencement ceremonies this spring. Currently, the controversy shows no sign of abating. The Bishop of Lincoln, Fabian W. Bruskewitz, has sent a blunt letter to Fr. John Jenkins, president of the University of Notre Dame, in which he states he is

"utterly appalled at your dedication to immorality and wrong-doing" and "betrayal of the moral teachings of the Catholic Church" and "I can assure you of my prayers for your conversion, and for the conversion of your formerly Catholic University."

The obvious difference between the two universities is that one is Catholic and the other is not. Each should be expected to act like what they are. However, that is not always what you get. Fr. Jenkins is quoted as saying he is conferring this honorary degree for a number of reasons.

"Presidents from both parties have come to Notre Dame for decades to speak to graduates about our nation and our world. They've given important addresses on international affairs, human rights, service, and we're delighted that President Obama is continuing that tradition," Jenkins said.

Jenkins said the invitation also had to do with the fact that Obama is the first black president in the nation's history and that adds a different element to his invitation to offer the commencement address and receive an honorary degree.

Whereas, Arizona State University demurs - and this is the money quote - saying:

"It's our practice to recognize an individual for his body of work, somebody who's been in their position for a long time," Sharon Keeler, an ASU spokeswoman, told The Associated Press. "His body of work is yet to come. That's why we're not recognizing him with a degree at the beginning of his presidency."