ND commencement chaos

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WANE) -  

Protests were underway at the University of Notre Dame hours before the scheduled arrival of President Barack Obama. The chaos surrounds the university's decision to award President Obama with an honorary degree.

Demonstrators shouted "Abortion is murder!" and carried signs that read everything from "Shame on Notre Dame" to "Notre Dame spiritually sold out."

Demonstrators were not allowed on campus grounds, because it's private property. When some folks tried to take their message onto campus, they ran into police. At least 19 demonstrators were arrested. But that did not stop them from making their message clear to the university and to President Obama.

"Not all Catholics believe... what the president is proposing or what he's doing is right," said Chicago resident Mike. He didn't want to use his last name. He told NewsChannel 15, he came out for those who weren't able to.

While, there was a large pro-life presence, there were also some pro-choice groups there. And that was a recipe for tension. Some groups engaged in shouting matches. About the only thing they did agree on: no love for President Obama.

"He has agreed that abortion should remain legal but he treats it as if there's something morally wrong with it," said Sunsara Taylor. She came all the way from New York to support a woman's right to have an abortion.

"I think the President needs a wake up call," said Janice Barthel from Illinois.

But it wasn't all chaotic. Students who refused to attend graduation attended a peaceful demonstration on university grounds.

Notre Dame graduates spoke and even Bishop D'Arcy made a surprise appearance.

Earlier in the day, more than 200 people prayed Sunday morning at a packed Alumni Hall Chapel.