Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, had an honorary degree revoked by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago due to his recent “anti-Black, antisemitic, and incendiary statements,” according to CBS Chicago.
West received the honorary degree for the first time in 2015, according to CBS Chicago. But since then, SAIC President Elissa Tenny said in a statement first reported by TMZ, “he has demonstrated worrisome behaviors and made dangerous statements that do not align with our community values.”
“[Kanye West’s] anti-Black, antisemitic, and inflammatory sentiments, particularly those directed towards Black and Jewish communities,” Tenny wrote. His actions and comments have hurt our entire community, but especially those of us who feel like our identities and life stories are being attacked.
Tenny acknowledged that it was “a difficult one” to withdraw West’s degree but insisted that his actions were ultimately “indefensible.”
West’s antisemitic remarks have drawn criticism in recent weeks, leading to the banning of his Instagram and Twitter accounts as well as the termination of his lucrative endorsement deals with Adidas and other companies.
West joined extreme right-wing white nationalist Nick Fuentes and former president Donald Trump at a contentious dinner in November.
Once more joining Fuentes, West made an appearance on InfoWars last week when he continued to utter antisemitic slurs and even glorified Adolf Hitler.
Over 4,100 people signed a change.org petition started by “Against Hate at SAIC” asking the university to cancel West’s degree, and the group declared “success” on Thursday.
Kanye West’s honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute has been revoked, according to a statement on the change.org page. “Friends, you did it,” said the statement.
We want to thank every member of the SAIC community who signed, shared, commented, and used their voices to directly contact the School because YOU did it. This is the direct outcome of your voices.
