On Monday, the same day Indiana’s mask mandate went into effect, Notre Dame had its own news related to COVID-19. The Rev. John Jenkins, the university’s president, announced that Notre Dame is withdrawing as the host site of this year’s initial presidential debate. The debate, which was scheduled for Sept. 29, would have been the first in the university’s history. Notre Dame has welcomed six Presidents at commencements, more than any other nonmilitary school.
The decision to pull out of hosting the presidential debate was made after consulting with St. Joseph County deputy health officer Dr. Mark Fox. The executive committee of the university’s board of trustees expressed unanimous support. Jenkins called it a “difficult decision because the necessary health precautions would have greatly diminished the educational value of hosting the debate on our campus.” He further added that “the inevitable reduction in student attendance in the debate hall, volunteer opportunities and ancillary educational events undermined the primary benefit of hosting — to provide our students with a meaningful opportunity to engage in the American political process.”
The times we in have undermined everything. In the big picture, this only is one plot line in the crazy academic year Notre Dame faces. Still, it doesn’t make any of this easier to take. 2020 can go straight to Hell.