Kanye West stripped of honorary degree, a first for prestigious Chicago art school
Heather Hamilton
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The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has stripped Kanye West of his honorary doctoral degree.
West, who now goes by Ye, was awarded the degree by the prestigious art school in 2015 in recognition of his contributions to art and culture.
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The college announced its decision Thursday, saying it “condemns and repudiates Kanye West’s (now know as Ye) anti-Black, antisemitic, racist, and dangerous statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities.”
“Ye’s actions do not align with SAIC’s mission and values, and we’ve rescinded his honorary degree,” a statement from SAIC said.
The decision comes amid mounting pressure from a Change.org petition started by “Against Hate at SAIC.”
“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,” the petition read. “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.”
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The petition received more than 4,000 signatures.
SAIC’s decision to rescind West’s honorary degree follows several other media companies, social media, and various retail brands, including Adidas and Balenciaga, that have cut ties with the rapper and clothing designer.