No Laetare Medal This Year; Noonan to Speak

Notre Dame announced that it would not give a Laetare Medal this year. Instead, Judge John T. Noonan, Jr., the 1984 winner of the Medal, will give a speech at commencement. He is a judge in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which governs several states in the western part of the country. (Life tenure tends to make a person impervious to politics.)

For those not familiar with Judge Noonan, take a look at this announcement. His list of accomplishments is more than impressive. He was even a professor at Notre Dame's law school.

And since a lot of people will want to know -- yes, he is pro-life. He has served as the Director of the National Right to Life Committee.

ND's Response to Glendon

Fr. Jenkins issued a short response to Glendon's decision not to accept the Laetare Medal. It states in full:

“We are, of course, disappointed that Professor Glendon has made this decision. It is our intention to award the Laetare Medal to another deserving recipient, and we will make that announcement as soon as possible.”