One of the most memorable days for newly sworn in Tulane President, Michael Fitts, was met with a bit of controversy.

After announcing former WWL-TV anchor and current Today Show host Hoda Kotb would be the 2016 commencement speaker, a petition posted – and since removed – showed up online demanding a new speaker.

The opening statement read, “We all feel cheated. Given the amount of money, work, and passion we have poured into our educational careers at Tulane, we think we deserve better than this…..”

Tulane Senior, Katie Schaefer says she is grateful for Kotb.

“You should be proud that someone would want to come and speak to you whether they are celebrities or not. She seems like an inspirational person.”

The petition ended by stating, “This is an embarrassment not only to the entire class of 2016, but also to the school as a whole.”

Myranda Mendez says the petition itself is an embarrassment and Kotb represents a success story for women in the business world.

“I think any woman who has made it in television or anywhere like politics is important, especially woman of color when it is dominated by males.”

The petition garnered over 200 signatures which was a surprise to Lindsey Ward.

“I don’t think it said anything constructive. I was actually surprised it got signatures and someone would even put that out there.”

In an email to WWL-TV Kotb responded saying “Forget the petition, I love the response. I love New Orleans! See you soon!”

Senator David Vitter even took a jab at the controversy during his speech at Thursday’s inauguration.

“Donald Trump would be pleased to accept the invitation to be the second commencement speaker here in May.”

The petition has been taken down and Tulane University issued a statement saying “The Tulane University community is thrilled and honored that Hoda is going to be our commencement speaker. She is a nationally known journalist and beloved by everyone in New Orleans.”Link: New petition welcomes Hoda as Tulane speaker