The decision to rescind Trump’s honorary degree is one that needs to be made carefully.
Should his degree be rescinded, it is important to consider the message that Lehigh University is sending on behalf of its students, faculty and staff. Lehigh is an academic institution, and rescinding a degree over some questionable statements made by Trump puts Lehigh into the business of politics.
Should Trump win the Republican nomination, is the university is sending out the message that it endorses the Democratic candidate?
In an academic environment that is supposed to promote community and inclusion, this discourages open political discussion and acceptance of others’ political ideologies. It also perpetuates the stereotype that universities are coddling their students by overreacting when something is mildly to moderately offensive.
Rescinding Trump’s degree puts him in the same category as Bill Cosby, giving a person who has made offensive statements the same punishment as a man that assaulted countless females.
I think the discussion of rescinding Trump’s degree should remain what it is – a discussion. Why not use this opportunity to start healthy discussion about inclusion among races, genders, ethnicities, and religions?
Universities aren’t meant to take a stance on issues, they are meant to foster education and exploration of them.
– Bridget Jones, ’17
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