Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Ohio State president, under fire for anti-Catholic joke, won’t keynote parochial graduation

CP23647737
In this May 5, 2013 photo, Ohio State president E. Gordon Gee speaks in Columbus, Ohio. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Carolyn Kaster

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State University’s president has withdrawn as commencement speaker for a parochial high school after being reprimanded for making disparaging remarks about Notre Dame, Catholics and the Southeastern Conference.

Gordon Gee had been scheduled to speak Saturday at the graduation ceremony for St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus. Ohio State says Gee decided Monday not to attend to make sure the students and their accomplishments remain the focus of the event.

A message was left for DeSales’ principal.

Gee apologized for his disparaging comments made in December after they were first reported by The Associated Press last week. He also apologized to the Big Ten conference for his “hurtful remarks” about some university athletic programs.

Ohio State trustees warn he could be fired for any more verbal gaffes.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles