My good neighbors at Northwestern University have gotten themselves in the news twice in recent days, regarding the upcoming graduations at that excellent and prestigious university.
The news item getting the most attention is the fact that they had invited Rev. Jeremiah Wright to accept an honorary degree, and then rescinded the offer, due to the controversy over remarks made by the now-famous minister.
From a public statement by Alan Cubbage, Northwestern' Vice-President for University Relations:Earlier this academic year, acting on the recommendation of faculty committees, Northwestern University extended an invitation to the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, former senior minister of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, to receive an honorary Doctorate of Sacred Theology at Northwestern's Commencement in June. Commencement at Northwestern is a time of celebration of the accomplishments of Northwestern's graduating students and their families. In light of the controversy around Dr. Wright and to ensure that the celebratory character of Commencement not be affected, the University has withdrawn its invitation to Dr. Wright.
In my own opinion, while I would
certainly have preferred that Rev. Wright had never become an issue in
the current presidential campaign, and I am especially disappointed
that he further damaged Obama's campaign by his recent remarks in
Detroit, all that should have no bearing on his getting an honorary
degree from Northwestern, or any other reputable university or
college. If he was to get an honorary degree in history or political
science, I would agree with the university's actions. However, he was
to have been awarded an honorary degree in sacred theology. If he was
considered worthy for the honor before, that status should not be
undone by his sudden notoriety.
The second news item, less publicized than the first, makes actions regarding Rev. Wright particularly interesting. The commencement speaker at Northwestern's Law School is going to be Jerry Springer. That is fine with me. Mr. Springer is more intelligent and thoughtful than what people watching his TV show might think. Still, it is ironic that NU seems concerned with the possibility of compromising the dignity of graduation when it comes to Jeremiah Wright, but is perfectly OK with Jerry Springer.
If NU was to ask my opinion (hardly likely), I would tell them to keep both of them on their intended programs.
Read BardofWilmette’s Last Article: Obama Should Reconsider the Union Bill
