The founders of the Catholic liberal arts school where Harrison Butker gave his controversial commencement speech have now criticized the Kansas City Chiefs star.
Butker, a three-time Super Bowl winner, delivered his speech at Kansas’ Benedictine College on Saturday and has faced significant backlash since then. In his address, he congratulated the female graduates, suggesting that most were likely more excited about marriage and motherhood than their degrees. He criticized some Catholic leaders for promoting what he described as “dangerous gender ideologies” and also spoke against Pride month and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion.
Following the speech, fierce backlash led to a petition calling for Butker’s removal from the Chiefs, which has garnered over 187,000 signatures.
The sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, co-founders of the school, released a statement expressing their disapproval: “We do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts education our founders envisioned. Instead of promoting unity, his comments have fostered division.” They expressed concern over Butker’s view that homemaking is the highest calling for a woman.
The sisters emphasized their commitment to educating women and men to lead with their God-given gifts in various roles, including leadership and scholarship, not just as homemakers. They stated, “Our community teaches how to create a Gospel-centered, compassionate home within themselves, welcoming others as Christ, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves.”
They affirmed their dedication to the values of the Gospel, St. Benedict, and Vatican II, along with the teachings of Pope Francis, aiming to foster an inclusive and welcoming community that upholds enduring Benedictine values.
Butker’s address, which lasted about 20 minutes, received mixed reactions, including a standing ovation from some attendees. In his speech, Butker emphasized that women have been told the “most diabolical lies,” and praised his wife, Isabelle, for embracing her role as a homemaker, which he termed “one of the most important titles of all.”
The speech sparked varied responses, including a graduate who expressed her displeasure on TikTok, calling the speech “horrible.” Meanwhile, Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, defended Butker, highlighting the importance of motherhood and arguing that differing viewpoints do not equate to hate. Gracie Hunt, daughter of Clark and Tavia, also supported Butker, sharing how her mother’s presence at home was formative for her and her siblings.
