Students at Le Moyne college aren't happy with this year's commencement speaker and they're speaking out about it. A petition has begun to remove Cardinal Timothy Dolan from the 2015 commencement, after 'sexual abuse scandals and homophobic comments.'

Amy Denny, who started the petition at change.org says staff, graduates and students feel the choice of Cardinal Dolan "does not represent the ideals we have come to know Le Moyne to represent."

In less than a week, the petition has close to the required 500 signatures.

Letter to Change Le Moyne Commencement Speaker 2015:

Le Moyne college does not, in any way, support sexual violence.

Le Moyne College has appointed Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan as Commencement Speaker for the graduating class of 2015 and the graduates, along with staff and other students, do not approve of this choice.

Over the years, Cardinal Dolan has been involved with sexual abuse scandals dealing with clergy of the church, homophobic comments and does not represent the ideals we have come to know Le Moyne to represent. With the growing attention toward sexual assault on the Le Moyne campus, students have felt that keeping Cardinal Dolan as commencement speaker completely opposes what we have advocated against.

By signing this petition, you are playing a part in being the voice of Le Moyne. We have walked the halls of Le Moyne for the Black Lives that Matter, we have held vigils for the Muslim students gunned down in Chapel Hill and much more. We have always come together in hard times. Do not stop now. Stand strong, sign and keep it going.

Sara Luczak of Lee Center signed the petition because, "this is not a person who embodies the beliefs of this institution and therefore he has no business speaking at our commencement ceremony."

Jonnah Graser of Syracuse also added his name, saying "This goes against Le Moynes mission and everything the college teaches us."


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