Honorary-degree debate rages on
I am severely disappointed in Monday’s editorial piece that downplayed, and even excused, our University’s decision to forgo presenting President Obama with an honorary degree.
The article went as far as commending the committee for sticking to “their word and to their principles.” But is that really something we should be proud of as students of this institution? Surely, there are times when breaking away from precedent is more laudable than mindlessly standing by outdated thinking or strictures. After all, there is an exception to every rule.
Beyond that, the piece argued that the practice of handing out honorary degrees has become asinine, and receiving one is comparable to getting a door prize.
Perhaps this is true, but, in my opinion, what is even more asinine than handing them out willy-nilly is not giving credit where it is due based on policy restrictions.
Yes, ASU will be naming a scholarship after Obama, which is an honor of its own. But that decision appears to be an afterthought, rushed through in an attempt to patch up damage to ASU’s image.
The piece ended by chiding the media for focusing on a trivial symbolic diploma, saying that we should all refocus our attention to the real issues in the news.
While this is a valid point, I would challenge The State Press to do the same. After all, this paper continuously published pieces debating the value of a comic titled “… That’s What She Said” over the span of a month.
Kristen Yolland
Undergraduate
I’m appalled that you don’t think President Obama is fit to have an honorary degree.
The accomplishments of the president of the United States are many, and you’re saying you may consider it.
I hope Obama cancels giving the commencement address. This bad publicity your school is receiving is not good at all.
Just think of the millions of us that voted for him and believe in him. There are parents of athletes that ASU is recruiting that will send their kids to other Pac-10 schools.
It seems political since John McCain lost the election.
David Smith
Jacksonville, Fla.
Jerry Colangelo and not Barack Obama?
What are the members of ASU’s honorary degrees committee smoking in their bongs these days?
Rick Parfrey
Lake Oswego, Ore.
