Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, gave a controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he stated that a woman’s most important role is being a homemaker and that Pride Month is an example of a deadly sin. This led to backlash from some graduates who found his comments inappropriate for a graduation ceremony. However, others defended Butker, saying his remarks were taken out of context and that he was speaking to the specific audience of the Catholic college.
The speech included Butker criticizing President Joe Biden, abortion, IVF, and the response to Covid-19. He also addressed the graduating women directly, suggesting that they were more excited about marriage and children than their careers. Some attendees were shocked by his remarks, while others felt that he was promoting the importance of motherhood rather than discouraging women from pursuing careers.
Despite the mixed reactions from students, the Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, a founding institution and sponsor of the college, stated that Butker’s comments do not align with the values of the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college. They expressed disappointment in the division that his remarks seemed to foster rather than promoting unity.
While some audience members applauded and praised Butker’s speech, others remained seated and booed in response to his controversial comments. Graduates like Kyra Misuraca and Susannah Leisegang expressed their disappointment and hope for an apology or explanation from school administrators regarding the controversy. They felt that Butker’s speech overshadowed the significance of the day for many women who were earning their degrees while balancing other responsibilities.
Overall, the fallout from Butker’s commencement speech highlights the ongoing debate around gender roles, motherhood, and career aspirations. The controversy has sparked discussions about the appropriate content for graduation speeches and the importance of considering the diverse perspectives and experiences of students in attendance. Whether his comments were intended to promote traditional values or were perceived as insensitive, the aftermath of Butker’s address has left an impact on the graduating class and the wider community at Benedictine College.
