Crow does ‘PC’ dance
Latasha Newburn
Two-time best-selling author, U.S. Senator, and President of Harvard Law Review are just a few accomplishments of the first African-American President Barack Hussein Obama. The question is why these distinguished achievements are not enough to earn him an honorary degree from Arizona State University.
As many of us know, Obama is big on volunteerism and helping others as a community organizer. Is it wrong that Michael Crow has denied our 44th president the commendation of an honorary degree? I say yes.
Obama is one of the youngest individuals to bring change across America; his campaign created and drew more youth interest than any other campaign in recent history.
An honorary degree is meant to pay tribute to someone for their tremendous contributions and triumphs. In ASU’s past they have provided scientists and the first female prime minister with honorary degrees.
Due to the fact that these individuals set extreme examples proving that anything is possible, it would be nice to see Obama added to the list of individuals who created interest and concern about those around them.
Rather than naming a scholarship after Obama, as though he is dead or not worthy of the honorary masters degree, I believe that Mr. Crow should have done the right thing, even if it went against ASU’s old policy.
Although it has been stated in university press releases that ASU does not provide honorary degrees to sitting politicians, there should be an exception to every rule.
Once you break the barrier and become a minority leader and bring change throughout America, it should be recognized as an achievement, regardless of the amount of time spent in office.
