We deserve one day. After many years of classes, homework, tests, and papers, those of us graduating from Washington University on Ma 16, 2008 deserve a commencement ceremony with the appropriate focus. Unfortunately, the plan to award Phyllis Schlafly with an honorary degree at the same ceremony has changed the scope of commencement. Now it’s about her.
Regardless of any notion of a “political spectrum,” Schlafly’s ideas are quite extreme. They’re extreme enough for the Women’s and Gender Studies Department to boycott the ceremonies and for students, faculty, and staff to join together in one of the most organized and determined protests in the last four years. At this point, it doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with her views. And it doesn’t matter if you believe the University should allow anyone of any political ideology to receive recognition.
The Chancellor needs to take a page from Northwestern’s playbook and rescind Schlafly’s offer. The Chicago Tribune quotes Northwestern President Henry Bienen’s letter to Reverend Jeremiah Wright: “In light of the controversy surrounding statements by you that have been recently publicized, the celebratory character of Northwestern’s commencement would be affected by our conferring of this degree.” It’s likely the first for Northwestern, and a similar action at WUSTL may be the first, but it’s the right move.
The Chancellor needs to recognize the utmost priority of the commencement ceremony: to honor the academic achievements of students at Washington University. Schlafly’s views are in direct conflict with the ceremony, and the protests are justified. Yet the Chancellor does not need to submit solely to the student opposition. He can save face with the Board of Trustees by explaining his desire to present the award, but the need to change plans because the protests caused by her presence are not appropriate for the ceremony.
There is still time to end this debacle before it starts. The Washington University Alumni Council urges Chancellor Wrighton to rescind Schlafy’s honorary degree offer. There are many legitimate reasons why the University should not give her one. Above all, students deserve a peaceful, distraction-free ceremony.
