American rapper-songwriter Kanye West’s honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been rescinded by the institution. According to The Hollywood Reporter, an American entertainment news outlet, in a statement to The Chicago Sun-Times SAIC officials said, “The School of the Art Institute of Chicago condemns and repudiates Kanye West’s (now known as Ye) anti-Black, anti-Semitic, racist, and dangerous statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities.” After Kanye West Announces 2024 Presidential Bid, Rapper Posts Symbol of Swastika Inside the Star of David (View Tweet).
They added, “Ye’s actions do not align with SAIC’s mission and values, and we’ve rescinded his honorary degree.” This honorary doctorate was awarded to the rapper in 2015. The decision was made in response to a change.org petition started by members of the SAIC community for SAIC President Elissa Tenny to revoke West’s honorary degree in light of his recent anti-Semitic remarks. Kanye West Wears ‘White Lives Matter’ T-Shirt at His Ramp Debut in the Balenciaga Show at Paris Fashion Week.
“We informed the SAIC community this morning,” a school spokeswoman told the Sun-Times, reported The Hollywood Reporter. “This award bestows the legitimacy and luster of the School on a figure who has in recent months has made repeated public statements expressing and justifying anti-semitism. Regardless of his contributions prior to receipt of this award, it is harmful to allow Ye, as he is presently known, to continue to use the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to help legitimize hatred and violence,” the petition partly read, according to the outlet.
