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News Bishop will not attend graduation in protest over Hillary Clinton visit
By Joshua Wilwohl Editor-in-chief Erie Catholic Bishop Donald Trautman will not attend Mercyhurst College’s graduation ceremony this year in protest over Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton’s visit to campus on April 1. In a statement issued by Trautman, he says by allowing Clinton to speak, the college is taking a pro-choice position concerning abortion. “I am disappointed in Mercyhurst College for not reflecting
the pro-life stance of the Diocesan spokesman Msgr. Tom McSweeney could not be reached for comment. Gamble said that while Trautman’s absence will be missed, the college must act in a way that will meet the educational needs of the students. “While we respect Bishop Trautman’s decision, we are saddened by it and will deeply miss his presence at graduation,” he said Monday. “Our mission counsels us to educate our students in an environment where faith and reason flourish together, and toward that end provide opportunities for our students to be well informed politically and religiously.” Students said they have mixed opinions on the bishop’s absence at graduation. Senior Phyllis Roman said she will not miss Trautman at graduation. “If he doesn’t want to come to our graduation, it’s his loss,” she said. “I don’t think many people will be traumatized…I mean, we’re supposed to be learning and supporting voting and civic duties.” Junior Dan Racitano said he did not support Clinton coming to campus, and even more so now that the bishop is not attending graduation. “I kind of feel with Hillary (on) campus and this being a conservative campus…that this is a negative side of her coming,” he said. “I think…we should have thought about having Hillary come before we went ahead and invited her here…it goes against our Catholic ideals.” Racitano said though it’s beneficial to have a potential presidential candidate come to campus and speak, the college should not shy away from its Catholic faith. “I’m against Hillary coming here, and if he (Trautman) is going not (to attend graduation) out of protest, then I think it’s a wrong move on the college.” Kamyl Bazbaz, Clinton's Erie press secretary, said the campaign looks forward to the event. “We greatly respect the Bishop’s point of view on the subject, and also appreciate(d) the opportunity to speak to students and the Erie community in this historic election,” he said. “Senator Clinton looks forward to her visit and engaging students and community members in a dialogue about issues that matter to them and affect the future of our country.” Gamble said the college will keep with the Catholic tradition by planning to host a forum before the general election about the “Responsible Catholic and the 2008 Election.” Father James Piszker, the college’s chaplain, said Trautman’s protest raises concerns about a pertinent subject. “I think he’s expressing his concern about a very important issue to the Catholic church, which is connected to the Catholic identity of a college like Mercyhurst,” he said. Gamble said the college does reflect its religious roots and plans to meet with Trautman. “We look forward to engaging in conversations about the most authentic way for Mercyhurst to meet both its religious and its educational obligations,” he said.
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