NOTRE DAME, Ind. (WSBT) - Graduates and their families were on the University of Notre Dame campus Sunday morning for commencement - and so were protesters. Commencement speaker Vice President Mike Pence was the target of their anger.
Protesters gathered at the corner of Angela Boulevard and Notre Dame Avenue. Some with whom WSBT 22 spoke said that Hoosiers know former Gov. Pence better than anyone and they wanted to unwelcome him back to Indiana.
They said they did not want to interfere with graduation.
Different activist groups from throughout South Bend were involved in the plan.
Some students also left Sunday's ceremony early to protest Pence. Reporters estimate about 60 students left the ceremony when Pence started to speak. With family added, it was about 150 people who left in protest.
Team coverage
WSBT 22's Kristin Bien covered the protests on campus at Angela Boulevard and Notre Dame Avenue. WSBT 22's Cassidy Williams was with our crew at the stadium covering commencement itself and the students who walked out. And WSBT 22's Hilary Powell will have a look at the text of Pence's speech. Watch WSBT 22 News at 6 for that coverage. Plus, we'll have all the latest here on WSBT.com.