White House Requests Removal of Religious Symbol

He came as a guest! What an outrageous thing to request. That would be like being invited to someone's home and asking them to remove their Bibles or other symbols they held dear. How sad that the religious community of the university did not have the ability (or will)to stop this. What a poor example to set for students. I am sure his publicity people will come up with some justification for this as soon as the general public learns of this story. The more his mask slips away, the more alien this man is to anything I have ever thought of as a worthy leader. I pray that the God who was denied and whose Son's precious symbol was covered with A PIECE OF PAINTED BLACK WOOD will take mercy on this mixed up, sinful society and grant wisdom and courage to the faithful.

I cannot believe that this "cover-up" at GU has elicited only one comment.

As an alumnus of the university that proudly states on its home page: "Founded in 1789, the same year the U.S. Constitution took effect, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university...", I am profoundly saddened that my alma mater would cave to the outrageous request of The White House!

It seems that the great Catholic universities in our country, such as Georgetown and Notre Dame, are placing political status, power and celebrity above their essential Catholic foundations.

This is just more evidence of the crumbling of the morals in American society. I fear for my kids' future.

Shame Shame shame shame Shame.

Their history says, "One of the oldest Catholic and Jesuit universities."

Where does it say in the Catholic doctrine that it's ok to be so embarrassed by your Lord and Savior, that a man can make you hide your faith in shame. Our country was based on freedom OF religion, not Freedom FROM religion, and even the president can not force us to hide our faith in shame.

this is the problem with our country, wishy washy so called Christians who can turn off their faith for selfish reasons like, being liked, being popular, or getting something out of it like extra money in their paychecks. What happened to morals, to standing up for what you belive in, to having some sort of principle?

Remember how Judas gave up Christ for 30 peices of silver? Georgetown is a bunch of Judas's to allow Obama to make hide their faith as if it's something to be ashamed of.

Our country will continue fall apart if people don't start to stand up for themselves, and keep cowing down to the minority out of fear of offending them. WE should be offended that they don't care about Offending us or taking away our freedom of religion and speech!

Georgetown is only helping to stifle the Christian's rights in this country. Shame on them.

Get over it...enough bible thumping. Thanks.

The White House did not ask that the IHS or other signage be covered for any anti-religious purpose. He was delivering a major policy address and wanted a backdrop consistent with other major addresses. Obama is one of the most religious, moral and family oriented men to ever hold the office of president.

The conservatives should confine their disagreements to politics and economic issues and desist in demonizing an honest and good man.

The White House may not have asked that the signage be covered for anti religious purpose, but the effect and message came across as such. In history and politics, the "cause-effect" dynamics are very important...I wonder if, when Mr. Obama goes to Saudi Arabia, the White House is going to request they "cover" the Shahadah from their flags!! It would be a good "par condicio" example.

His administration is having a nasty approach towards the Catholic community, beginning with the people he is appointing for diplomatic relations with religious institutions. And religious relations do belong to the issues a community needs to address. Politics indeed comes from "polis". Religion and belief are part of it. It is sufficient to read Aristotle's "Ta Politika" to understand why. And this administration perfectly knows it.

For what concerns the economical and administrative disagreements, there is plenty to say on the ideological agenda the current administration is setting. I personally think nothing bad of the President. I do not agree with his modus operandi nor his administration's objectives (that still remain shady). They are still looking at pseudo-socialists politics reminiscent of European countries in the '70's while they are failing to see the great advancements Europe has done in the last years and how they steered away from the past policies. Europe and the rest of the world go forward, while the USA goes backwards.

If we talk about healthcare there is plenty to disagree on... the Obama administration is still not addressing the main problem this country has, aka insurance companies. Nobody has the courage to touch their interests.

We could go on for hours. I do not want to demonize anyone, on the contrary. I still hope it is possible- with Pelosi's benevolence - to disagree and hold an opinion in this country.

If Obama wanted a more Presidential backbground, he should have stayed at the White House. Period.

As an alumnus, I was in disbelief when a fellow alum informed me that Alma Mater complied with this ridiculous request. We are not Harvard, a place that perhaps found good reason to wipe their institutional memory of Cotton Mather. We stand on the proud history of centuries of Jesuit discernment and defense of human rights. This is purely an outrage. Let us stand together as a community of students and alumni and proclaim who we are. I for one chose Georgetown over an Ivy League school because I was inspired by the phrases "AMDG" and "IHS." The most prominent display of Gaston Hall is the full lettering of AMDG, the grounded credo of the Society of Jesus. Its full meaning is "to the glory of God and the salvation of humankind". The second, from the Cross is: Iasu, Salvatore Hominem; which means Jesus, Savior of Men. Seeing Georgetown's proud legacy, indeed its raison d'etre literally enshrouded for political expediency is nothing less than shameful. The administration needs to offer an apology to the Universtity community with an assurance that this will not happen ever again.

"Its full meaning is 'to the glory of God and the salvation of humankind.'"

Actually, AMDG means "ad majorem dei gloriam" which translates as "for the greater glory of God." The phrase "ad majorem dei gloriam inque hominum salutem" means "for the greater glory of God and the salvation of humanity." And despite the same acronym, IHS does not stand for "inque hominum salutem." IHS is an abbreviation for Jesus Christ based on the Greek translation.

At 3:09, you can clearly see that the black triangle is used here as well...for a GPB comedy event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBPDWICdds0

Take that for what it's worth, but to me it means that the University determines whether the event in Gaston is a statement of religion. And if it's not (like a comedy performance or a speech about the economy), then they cover the symbols.

Although I liked the speach, President Obama should have picked another venue if he wanted it sterilized. This was no accident or oversight. Shame on Georgetown for allowing its promotional self interest to overshadow its foundation. And, would someone tell Rev. Reese he is NOT the spokesperson for GU.

Then why hold the speech in Gaston Hall for pity's sake? The only more religious symbol-filled space on campus would be the chapel! Were he and his staff unaware that Georgetown University is CATHOLIC institution of higher learning? Next time he wants to come, point him toward GW with your best wishes. Jeez.

As Catholics; as parents of current students, we are extremely angry. "Presidential prestige" appears to be more important to Gtown's Administration than upholding the university's Catholic/Jesuit principles. No more donations/contributions, period. Hopefully, others who have contributed in the past (alum/parents) will think long and hard before giving the school anymore money. Also, we have contacted the Maryland Provence and lodged a complaint with the Provincial's office as well. Georgetown must always be faithful to it's Catholic heritage, academically, socially, and spiritually, regardless of who comes to call on campus!

Tim McKinney... what kool aide are you drinking? Georgetown is run by Jesuits. It is a private, Catholic institution. The first responsibility of any Jesuit is to Jesus Christ. They intentionally covered up religious symbols because of a request from the white house. Cowards!

Your moral and honest Obama should've picked a different venue to do this speech.

Funny, he ran his campaign as a Christian... could've fooled me. Maybe he can find some more foreign, islamic leaders to bow in front of...

Of course Obama knew that Gtown is a Catholic university! Little by little, he is doing all he can to move this country away from Christianity. Catholics/Christians are always expected to be PC well enough of that! It's time we speak out and stop letting the rest of the world walk all over us!

I am seriously thinking of removing Georgetown from my will and resigning from the Legacy Society. This was a most disturbing action by the University.

Perhaps you haven't noticed yet, but our freedom to OFFEND you and your nutty religious beliefs is protected by the Constitution of the United States of America.

It's right there in the first amendment, I suggest you read it.

I am a retiree from Georgetown University of 34 years. As most of the respondees, I concur with their sentiments regarding the request by the staff of President Obama to have all religious symbols covered at Gaston Hall during his recent speech. In fact I am outraged. I cannot recall President Clinton or any other visiting President making a similar request during my time there.

My dismay over this request was made more profound when I realized the symbolism of using wood to cover the symbol of Jesus Christ.

I would hope that Jack DeGioia, as most of you know is the President of the University, would issue an apology to the alumni, faculty and friends of Georgetown University. If not, all I can say is "Shame on you Jack".

The people who are upset about this are just demonstrating to normal people that Catholics can be as crazy as evangelicals. Good work.

-Georgetown grad

The silence of Georgetown Jesuits on this issue is contemptible.

The Obama administration has insulted the Catholic faith in almost every category (including the arrogance of naming three pro-abortion candidates as ambassador to the Vatican).

I cannot think of a campus anywhere which would agree to mask their identity for a guest.

Obama's staff correctly spotted Georgetown as a eager and willing poodle.

Disgraceful.

Thomas Lee Elifritz, no one is saying the White House or University didn't have the RIGHT to do this. Just because they had the right to do it doesn't at all mean they should have.

The Jesuits at Georgetown are modernist heretics and their silence on this matter should come as no surprise.

They never should have been ordained or they should be defrocked.

It's time for Jack to resign!

(The President not the dog)

When God has put things in order to come to pass, remember his word will always stand. For he has the victory in the end. This is what happens when a Nation built on bibical principals turns against Gods word and morality that has brought us. We the people means, that we allow it to happen are we do not allow it to happen. Covering up a sign does'nt mean anything, but it makes a statement (I am in control). To me as a believer it says my name is greater so if you want me to come. You must put your God and savior aside and except me in to show me that I am truely who you believe in as your leader. God puts us through tests each day but this time ,it was a great fall from his grace as a people. We need to pray people of this great Nation because if we don't we will FALL FROM HIS GRACE.

Good synopsis of the issue douche bag. See if you can guess the name hidden in "Jesuit university." To us bible thumpers, when a Jesuit university hides it's name, or is asked to hide it's name, that is an issue. Are we moving to fast for you? You are a dick.

Bravo!

To Thomas... it actually ISN'T your right to offend in this situation.

This is a private, Christian institution. Obama can ask for such an outrageous request... however, unlike a public institution where you must seperate church and state... GT didn't have to act like wusses and bow down to his rediculous request since they are a private university.

That's like going to a Catholic school and telling them to remove all religious symbols as to not offend those who are not Catholic, even though they wouldn't be attending a catholic school in the first place since, now stay with me here... It's A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

And I LOVE how you play the freedom of speech card, bragging that it is your right to offend people's systems of beliefs...

but when conservatives play the same card, to offend people like you, or to stand up for their beliefs... they're threatened by the current administration to either shut up or be put on a possible terrorist watch list. WHAT? Seriously? You can say whatever you want and get private institutions to bend to your will... but we can't even hold protests against taxes without being put on a terrorist watch list? Seriously?

Keep up the great double standard. People like you are the reason this country is in the state it's in.

It's ridiculous that there is so much fuss over this issue. I work at a small Christian college and we get this kind of request from speakers all the time (admittedly, we are a progressive Christian college and we welcome all faiths to both study and speak here). Our main worship center and auditorium have movable symbols -- cross, Star of David and crescent -- specifically so we can move them in and out to accommodate the needs of various speakers and groups. An "IHS" behind the President of the United States implies to all who see that speech that he endorses that particular faith -- when a U.S. President needs to be seen as speaking to ALL people, regardless of their religion. It would be the same as if there was a giant Georgetown logo or a Coca-Cola logo visible behind him -- his speech is not about Georgetown, nor Coca-Cola, nor Christianity, so having those symbols as a main backdrop would not be appropriate. American flags in the background ARE appropriate. Again, I can speak with authority on this one -- I work in the PR office of this college and the request from speakers to cover or remove religious symbols is something that happens ALL THE TIME. This sort of idiotic wrangle gives a bad name to Christians -- a lot of us wish you holy rollers would shut the holy heck up and realize that we live in a world where people of all faiths -- including people of no faith -- must be respected.

I'm ashamed that my alma mater, an institution that has proudly stood by it's Jesuit tradition for 220 years, should fold like a cheap suit because the RockStar-in-Chief asks.

What's the matter, was Bo using the Rose Garden? Next time, Obama, just stay home!

How is it that President Obama can bow before an Islamic leader, yet not even recognize religious freeedom in his own country? The administration of Georgetown University gets an "F" for allowing this to happen.

Are you kidding? I am the antichrist, but I have you fooled I see.

yes, so he is so very deeply religious that he has spent three months living in Washington without managing to find a regular church to attend for Easter.
So religious that when he re-took the Oath of Office, he didnt bother getting a Bible on which to swear, the Bible of Abe Lincoln apparently having fulfilled its purpose as a prop when the cameras were rolling.
So very Christian that he felt uncomfortable standing in front of a Christian symbol.
Of course, he could have moved the speech to a location with a more neutral backdrop. But then he would not have had all those picturesque stained glass windows behind him, to show in non-specific, offensive-to-noone terms that he can muster the support of the Catholics when he wants it.

There are a lot of fine qualities our president possesses, but I suspect that being "most religious," except in a vaguely "Jesus as social reformer" sense, is not one of them.

It’s a pity President Obama doesn’t look to another Georgetown graduate and world leader for guidance on religious tolerance. As a student, I had the privilege of watching King Abdullah II of Jordan, a practicing Muslim, accept his honorary doctorate at Georgetown in 2005. Absolutely no Christian symbols were covered due to royal “protocol.” President Obama should take note of a King’s grace and tact if he wishes to act like one.

I am proud of many Georgetown graduates, but not Georgetown administration.

I'm a current student and while I understand the Univerisity's stance was definitely not the best, I'll take having the President choosing to speak at Georgetown any day. So while Alum's are quick to say that the University shouldn't invite him back if he's going to ask to do that, just remember that IHS or no IHS, having a President choose Georgetown for a major policy speech is an honor for the University and for the students. I'd rather say the President spoke at my school instead of saying that my university refused to hide three letters with religious significancc even though the President's speech contained an anecdote from scripture.

Same goes for the Notre Dame situation. It's a bunch of alum's and Catholic groups who are outraged, while the students (who,last time I checked, are the ones being honored)are largely in favor of the honor of having a President visit them.

The Bible states, "in the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord." I am not a blogger. In fact, this is the first time I feel truly compelled to add my voice, imperfect and shaky as it may be, to share how deeply saddened I was to read that GU, a Jesuit institution, founded on a deeply held belief in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, would bow to political pressure and cover the name of Jesus to comply with the requests of a White House advance staff. Frankly, it is beyond me how President Obama can bow to the Saudi king, tell the Turkish people (and the watching world) that America is not a Christian nation, and then desire to use GU's Gaston Hall ( a private, christian college,) as a "backdrop" for an economic policy speech.

The Lordship of Jesus Christ has been under attack throughout the world for years; and American christians need to think critically instead of being spoon-fed by the media and politicians, what it is that makes this country the best place to live on the face of this earth. For over 225 years, our nation has reaped bountiful blessings for being a christian nation, founded on judeo-christian principles. I pray not only that our president would develop and grow in his personal christian faith, but that the sovereignty and Lordship of Jesus Christ remain steadfast and strong in the hearts and minds of the American people. GU, although I am not Catholic, I have always admired your university for its catholic faith and beliefs and the academic excellence and rigor of the curriculum your students enjoy. Perhaps because of this foolish decision on the part of a few administrators, the debate about the proper role of catholicism and the overall Lordship and sovereignty of Jesus Christ will be front and center as the university, its faculty, staff and students, move forward towards the future. This kind of a debate can only be helpful in refining the faith of all engaged.

It sad to see how the "religious spirits" of this country would rather spend their time ranting about three letters being covered and whether a church has been proclaimed than acknowledge the true issues at hand. I am not a catholic but I am a Christian. Now lets really think with our minds and not our prejudices; Obama has done more in last 4 months then Bush has done in 8 years. Yet the only thing that the "alum's" or "non voting" hypocrites can do is complain about the covering of some letters. You all scream out scriptures to suit your own views however, I do recall the bible stating clearly that we are to pray for our leaders. Not to mention I am pretty sure there is something in there about He is the One who judges not man. Oh but that's not the part you want to remember. First off you are to hate the sin not the sinner and don't get me wrong I'm not saying Obama is the sinner; but if you are going to point your finger remember there are 3 pointing back at you. So, if Obama would have declined Georgetown's offer then he would have been "crucified" for not speaking at a religious institution and he stills gets "crucified" for following the constitution. Remember that part the founders put in there about church and state being separate. I believe our Lord has a plan and things are going as planned. If you want something to occupy your time turn your eyes to the problems in Isreal or abortion. Do something constructive with your time, oh and if your going to quote our Lord's word make sure you have read more than just the part that suits you. God Bless Georgetown, Obama, and the USA.

For everyone who has an issue with the undebatable Catholic identity of Georgetown.

You chose Georgetown, Georgetown didn't choose you.

Mr. President, next time you come as a GUEST, respect the rules of our house.

Who or what group at Georgetown is responsible for complying with the White House? Where is your guts? your backbone?

A public apology should be issued immediately to Catholics and Christians everywhere for going along with the Obama administration's outrageous request.

As a proud Hoya and NOT a religious "nut" as some commentators have alleged, but rather one for religious tolerance for ALL sides, I sorry to say that this week's activities made me doubt my affiliation with the school. I am ashamed of our school and of the American President. We should have taken a stance against Obama's hypocritical requests before his visit to our campus on Tuesday. Catholicism is an undeniable inherent part of our school's founding principles and the history of our school. I understand Obama was attempting to be "culturally sensitive" in an atmosphere where Christianity is often, incorrectly in my opinion, synonymous with cultural imperialism. Unfortunately, our president's actions have demonstrated how far he fails to understand cultural sensitivity.

Being culturally sensitive includes being culturally sensitive to all cultures and beliefs. In asking Georgetown to cover up Christian symbols, he was asking us to eschew our past and present. In his attempts to pander to the ACLU far-left types, he was blatantly insensitive to our school's culture and beliefs. Would he be so insensitive if he were visiting a school with ties to Judaism or Islam? I think not. Furthermore, while we're covering up potentially offensive symbols, why not get rid of the Presidential seal? The eagle's right claw holds a quiver of arrows symbolizing military might - this could be offensive to pacifists. Tear that off all presidential stationary! This is just a long history of his hypocrisy and I am ashamed that our school gave in to it.

As a Georgetown student, I am ashamed of our university. As a Catholic, I am deeply saddened by the fact that symbols of our faith are being hidden as if we have something to be embarassed of. Obama was just using Georgetown to test the waters of a Catholic University for his Notre Dame graduation speech. He never shook any students' hands, thanked the university for disrupting an entire day, and he even came in the back entrance. Obama's stance on abortion (i.e. murder) is against everything the Catholic Church stands for. He has no right to be on our campus, or any other Catholic university's campus. Next time, stay in the white house, Obama. DeGioia and the Georgetown administration, shame on you for being sell-outs.

I am so sick of all this wing nuttery whining. There are so many more important things going on in the world today, for example the fact that we are in the midst of an awful recession, yet all these bible thumping whiners can do is complain about things of no importance at all.

As a current undergraduate, I am ashamed. While I am Protestant (Episcopalian), and generally hold a favorable opinion of Mr. Obama, I find it absolutely reprehensible that the University would essentially denounce its own heritage in this manner. As unreasonable as the Obama administration's request might have been, blame lies primarily with Georgetown for slavishly consenting to cover up a symbol of our identity.

Let's imagine that the University didn't cover up the IHS, and Obama still spoke, and some whiner asked the White House why the letters "IHS" appeared on the wall behind Obama. What would be the worst that could happen? Obama staff would simply issue a statement saying something to the tune of, "The president chose to speak at Georgetown University, which is a respected institution of higher learning, and happens to be Catholic. The symbol in question is a Georgetown symbol and has nothing to do with the Obama Administration" and the matter would be over.

Georgetown is Washington's most prestigious university and has a long record of service to the republic (e.g. highest producer of Foreign Service Officers and Peace Corps volunteers, GU was one of few elite schools not to abolish ROTC during the 70s, etc). There are many reasons for our prestige that have little to do with Catholicism. At the same time, we are a Catholic University and anybody who sets foot on our campus needs to understand and respect that fact. Obama can't just temporarily wish away our religious identity to make a policy speech (one on economics, no less... I could understand his discomfort with making a speech on social or faith-based issues in front of a Christian symbol- but tax policy? Really?).

The GU administration needs to be made aware of how patently unacceptable this decision was. This incident is simply another example of how DeGioia and other university leaders are hell-bent on making GU an essentially secular university that has just enough artificial Catholic flavoring to attract Catholics without deterring anybody who might find Catholicism less than palatable. They want prospective students to tour campus and say "Aw, how quaint! They have a bunch of men in silly collars who live together in a big ol' house next to the dining hall! They have pretty chapels! They have an exquisitely decorated auditorium and a statue of an erudite-looking man from the 18th century sitting above a pile of books on a pedestal on the front lawn! This place is soooo different from Harvard and Yale and Princeton and Penn and Duke!" Although I am not Catholic, I picked Georgetown in part due to its Jesuit identity. I do not see this identity as simply historic or aesthetic. Our Christian, Catholic, Jesuit identity is a living identity that must be honored, rather than debased in the fashion that it was.

For those who want to see exactly what the stage looked like, here is a link: http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Reuters_Photo/2009/04/15/1239813604_4880/539w.jpg

Okay, why would a political figure decide to speak at a particular institution and then request that the institution cover up their insignia? If the reason for the speech was purely to present an address on a policy, then why not (crazy idea) stay at the white house and deliver it. Think of it, save the taxpayers money!

Wish cracks like "enough bible thumping" not only show another complete disregard for the founding and basis of the institution where the politician was a guest, but the hypocrisy of some by their inability to be "tolerant" of those whose beliefs and traditions are in opposition to their own.

Guests of a church or synagogue - wouldn't consider asking that displaying the Bible or Torah be nixed.
Guests of a vegatarian - wouldn't insist that they be served meat.

Respect, courtesy, common sense. Try getting a grip on these concepts.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Perhaps you haven't noticed yet, but our
freedom to OFFEND you and your nutty religious
beliefs is protected by the Constitution of the
United States of America.

It's right there in the first amendment, I
suggest you read it.
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I know this is probably a stretch, but let me take a wild guess.....

You might be one of those nutty people on the Left that I keep hearing about. The ones who tell and expect everyone but themselves that they must respect people of different traditions, lifestyles, cultures and beliefs. That they must allow any and all displays of unity, individuality and pride. That to belive strongly about those causes is our right as Americans.

Am I warm?

Hmmm, we seem to be under attack for wanting to stand up for our beliefs...go figure.

Thank God (oops) and our Veterans, who fought to maintain those rights, for the rights of ALL.

Read," With God In Russia." The life of a Jesuit priest
born in Pennsylvania and imprisoned under Stalin for 23 years. Take God away and all human rights cease to
exist and you are a ward of the State. Shame, shame on
the Jesuits of Georgetown. Their forefathers would never have caved in. What fame you wanted, you got.
S