Kanye West's honorary degree from The School of Art Institute of Chicago over “anti-black” and “antisemitic” comments. According to TMZ, Elissa Tenny, the president of SAIC, said that Ye “exhibited disturbing behaviors and made dangerous statements that do not align with our community values.”
She said, “His anti-Black, antisemitic, and incendiary statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities, are disgusting and condemnable. His words and actions have been painful for our entire community and, particularly, for those of us who feel that our identities and life experiences are under attack.”
She continued, “While the School grants honorary degrees to individuals based on their contributions to art and culture as of a moment in time, his actions do not align with SAIC’s mission and values. After hearing from many of you, and conferring with the Board of Governors, the honorary degree awarded to Kanye West has been rescinded.”
Tenny also said that SAIC had never rescinded an honorary degree before, but administrators feel the measure is “appropriate” in this situation.
She explained, “There is no precedent in SAIC’s more than 80 years of granting honorary degrees for rescinding one, and as an institution of higher education, we know we must uphold a higher standard in protecting freedom of expression. Though we firmly believe in the right to express a diversity of opinions and beliefs, the severity of his behavior made it clear that rescinding this honor was appropriate.”
