Senator Nancy Turbak Berry's says her pro-choice stance on the issue played a role in whether she would be the commencement speaker at Presentation College.

"Well I feel it is a form of closed mindedness, it is. It represents an instance when a higher education institution was pressured to deny a speaker the opportunity to express even the most benevolent thoughts because of her opinion on one particular issue," said Sen. Turbak Berry.

Presentation College administrators are not addressing whether the decision to dis-invite Senator Turbak Berry is because of her stance on abortion.

"There is no comment on that. I will say that the decision to ask a graduation speaker to come is not made lightly, nor is, unfortunately, is that invitation when we withdraw that made lightly either," said JoEllen Lindner, Presentation College VP Of Enrollment.

Senator Turbak Berry says she believes the decision to not allow her to speak came from some citizens pressuring Bishop Paul Swain.

Students have also expressed their feelings.

"I guess that's the choice of the college. I don't really think it affects me. I don't think it's a big deal as some people are making it," said Presentation Sophomore Keri Braun.

Bishop Swain replaced the senator as the commencement speaker.

Her name remained in the program and her absence was not publicly addressed.

Senator Turbak Berry says that her prepared speech included nothing about reproduction.