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Ben Carson Withdraws As Hopkins Commencement Speaker

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Doctor Ben Carson will not speak at commencement for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

The famed neurosurgeon garnered nationwide headlines after his controversial comments about same-sex marriage last month.

In a letter obtained by WJZ, Carson told school leaders that he didn't want his presence to be a distraction.

"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."

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