Bob Kerrey has decided against speaking at Creighton University’s commencement, saying he would become a distraction if Republicans protested at the event.
The Nebraska GOP’s executive director, Ryan Hamilton, asked Creighton last week to rescind its invitation to Kerrey because of Kerrey’s pro-choice position on abortion.
Kerrey informed the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson by letter Monday that he would take back his acceptance to speak at Creighton’s two commencement ceremonies on May 18. He said commencements “should be a moment of celebration” and should “not be interrupted with politics.”
Kerrey is a former Nebraska governor, U.S. senator from Nebraska and Medal of Honor winner for his service in the Vietnam War. He is a Democrat who supports the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision on abortion. Kerrey said it’s the civil right of women to make their own reproductive choices.
