Tornado Alley (PROG)

[StephanieVanbryce]

Ben Carson steps down as Hopkins commencement speaker

Neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson has stepped down as commencement speaker at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine after complaints from students over controversial comments about same-sex marriage, a spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.

In a letter to Dr. Paul Rothman, dean of the medical faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Carson said: "Given all the national media surrounding my statements as to my belief in traditional marriage, I believe it would be in the best interests of the students for me to voluntarily withdraw as your commencement speaker this year. My presence is likely to distract from the true celebratory nature of the day. Commencement is about the students and their successes, and it is not about me. I want to make certain that remains so. Someday in the future, it is my hope and prayer that the emphasis on political correctness will decrease and we will start emphasizing rational discussion of differences so we can actually resolve problems and chart a course that is inclusive of everyone."

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/maryland-health/bs-hs-ben-carson-commencement-hopkins-20130410,0,6125666.story