As the graduate of a Christian school I can still recall the cool kids in back of the chapel passing notes back and forth about the teacher’s pet sitting front row center as the pastor preaches a fire and brimstone sermon inspired by James 4:11 “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren.”

I’m not by any means a saint either. For example, I’ve reprimanded others for their profane language and later that same day turned around and cursed at my slow malfunctioning computer or at some pedestrian walking against the light when I’m in a hurry to get somewhere.

In this world everyone’s a hypocrite. This is why the recent CNN sound bite about Harvard professor Mary Ann Glendon is not just newsworthy, but inspiring.

Glendon, a U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, was selected as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame, but refused to accept the award and speak at the commencement because President Obama is scheduled to receive an honorary degree and speak at the same ceremony.

It’s not that Glendon dislikes Obama in general, but simply that she disagrees with his stance on abortion.

The Catholic pro-lifer reportedly said she felt that Notre Dame was defying its moral principles by giving the pro-choice president such a high honor and that it suggests that the institution supports all of his actions.

Is it just me or does this seem a little extreme?

If a notable university like Notre Dame, or even Fresno State, was offering me such an award, I doubt I would say “thanks, but no thanks,” simply because I was opposed to another unrelated decision the university made that didn’t fall in line with my views.

As a pro-lifer myself, I do believe abortion is wrong in the majority of cases. And I mean this in the most respectful manner to those in extreme circumstances, but quite frankly most women made their choice when they spread their legs.

But my personal opinion can be hashed out another day; both sides’ arguments have been heard numerous times and both are unwavering.

Despite a deeply rooted stance, I don’t think I would have the strength to refuse an honor I deserved on the basis of someone else with a conflicting opinion being honored as well.

Whether I’m just more tolerant than Glendon or just don’t mind the possibility of being deemed a hypocrite if it means being honored for being an academic at the same time, I’m not sure.

I do, however, respect Glendon for sticking to her guns, and I can’t help but feel saddened by the fact that so few, myself included, have the strength to do so.

To me, her actions are a reminder that those who really practice what they preach make sacrifices, and if you’re familiar with scripture or even history, refusing a medal really isn’t high on the list of major sacrifices that one could make on behalf of their beliefs.