Dozens of Notre Dame graduating students walked out during Vice President Mike Pence's commencement speech Sunday – with one report estimating the number of protesters at more than 100.
Students had previously met with the Notre Dame police chief to figure out the most peaceful and “respectful” way to exit the stadium, student leader Bryan Ricketts told the Indianapolis Star.
About 100-plus students filed out, the Star reported.
"It's deeply humbling for me to participate in the 172nd commencement in Notre Dame's 175th year," Pence said to applause and boos, WNDU reported.
He also touted President Donald Trump's recent executive order on religious freedom in his address to the Catholic university, as well as the president's remarks on religion in Saudi Arabia.
"I think it’s a disgrace," Nataline Duffy of New Jersey, whose son was graduating, told the Star. "We think it’s in poor taste. We think it’s disrespectful. It’s so unnecessary.
"This is a good man who is coming here for graduation."
The Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, struck a conciliatory tone in his remarks, calling for peace and dialogue, and saying; "Too often the love that fires our passion is twisted into a hatred in which we disagree," The Hill reported.
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