Archbishop Hughes, do you think Donna Brazile Cares?

Donna Brazile

According to the Xavier University of Louisiana website, Donna Brazile, a Democratic political strategist, will be the keynote speaker during the university’s 82^nd. annual commencement scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. in the Lakefront Arena.

Xavier University is the nation’s only Historically Black and Catholic institution of higher learning. Xavier University’s purpose from its founding has included the creation of a more just and humane society. Reaffirming its African American heritage and its Catholic tradition for more than eight decades, Xavier continues to offer a variety of opportunities in education and leadership development to the descendants of those historically denied the liberation of learning.

Despite, an historic moment of honoring Ms. Brazile as the commencement speaker and as a recipient of an honorary degree, the Archbishop of New Orleans plans on boycotting.

The Most Reverend Alfred C. Hughes, Archbishop of New Orleans has decided to boycott the graduation. In his

Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University of Louisiana with students

April 22, 2009 letter to Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University of Louisiana, Hughes said, “It is with regret that I make the decision not to participate in the Commencement Exercises this year at Xavier University in light of the university’s decision to invite Ms. Donna Brazile to be the Commencement speaker and receive an honorary degree.” Bishop Hughes further added, “Ms. Brazile has a public record in support of keeping abortion legal.”

Ms. Brazile is a native of New Orleans and earned her undergraduate degree from LSU-Baton Rouge in 1981. She made history as the first African American women to lead a major presidential campaign when she served as campaign manager for Gore-Lieberman 2000. She also worked on numerous national and statewide campaigns. She had previously worked on the Democratic presidential campaigns of Jimmy Carter, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Walter Mondale, Dick Gephardt, Michael Dukakis and Bill Clinton.

In addition to Ms. Brazile, actor, director and producer Forest Whitaker will also be awarded an honorary degree at the ceremony.

As the 450 expected graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Pharmacy, the Graduate School and their families prepare for this one in a life time occasion, the last thing on their minds will be the absence of the Archbishop.

Other Commencement-related Activities

Roll Call
Monday, May 04, 9:00 a.m., Gymnasium

College of Pharmacy Honors & Awards Program
Thursday, May 07, 7:00 p.m., Mary & William McCaffrey Ball Room, University Center

Baccalaureate Mass & Awards Convocation
Friday, May 08, 7:00 p.m., Gymnasium