Pete Buttigieg, the former Mayor of South Bend and currently serving as Secretary of Transportation under the Biden administration, engaged in a thoughtful discussion with Mary Gallagher, Dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs, on January 23. Their conversation, titled “Leadership, Innovation, and the Next Generation,” addressed critical issues affecting South Bend and beyond.
Buttigieg, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, abortion access, and reproductive technologies, expressed his belief in the positive impact of societal support for such rights. In a recent podcast appearance, he underscored the importance of having a president who champions access to abortion, saying, “Men are more free in a country where we have a president who stands up for access to abortion.”
The event was introduced by Father Robert Dowd, C.S.C., President of Notre Dame, who noted Buttigieg’s life with his husband Chasten in northern Michigan, despite the Catholic Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage. Buttigieg was honored with the LGBT Service Award by the Gay and Lesbian Alumni of Notre Dame in 2019, a recognition that the disbanded association bestowed before the university established its Alumni Rainbow Community.
When discussing the implications of artificial intelligence, Buttigieg acknowledged the mixed potential of this technology, suggesting that while AI could enhance human capability, it also risks diminishing our intelligence, similar to the social impacts of social media.
The economic transformation of South Bend was a highlight, with Buttigieg expressing pride in his successor, Mayor James Mueller, who has continued to advance the city’s economy. “I’m really proud of the city, really proud of what my successor has done,” Buttigieg remarked, signaling optimism about ongoing improvements.
Buttigieg also voiced concerns regarding the current climate of academic freedom, pointing out the challenges faced by universities when funding decisions are influenced by political agendas. This statement echoes earlier endorsements he gave to Biden-Harris policies, highlighting the tug-of-war between governance and educational independence.
In a noteworthy political observation, Buttigieg commended Republican representatives in the Indiana State Assembly for their stance against a Trump-supported redistricting plan, illustrating that solidarity can emerge even from unexpected quarters.
Additionally, Buttigieg’s role at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Studies, where he focuses on researching and writing about trust in political institutions, drew mixed reactions. Some attendees expressed disappointment over the concentration on the Trump administration without adequately addressing his own tenure and its challenges as Secretary of Transportation.
This dialogue presented a platform for Buttigieg to share insights into South Bend’s trajectory, the nuanced role of technology in society, and the importance of protecting the integrity of educational institutions. With discussions like these highlighting both progress and challenges, Buttigieg’s reflections offer a glimmer of hope for continued growth and unity in South Bend and beyond.