Why is this a controversy? Because the announced recipient is Phyllis Schlafly. Quite famous (or infamous) for her successful organizing of opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and 1980s, Schlafly has continued to take positions defending different treatment of women in the workplace, for instance favoring the banning of women from being soldiers, firefighters, or construction workers. She's recently stated her opinion that a married woman has, by marriage, consented to sex with her husband, so there cannot be such a thing as rape within marriage.
Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, recently disinvited the Rev. Jeremiah Wright to receive an honorary doctorate, and feminists are asking why Washington University doesn't do the same.
Some were especially offended that the University's announcement mentioned Schlafly's leadership of the conservative movement, but left off mention of her activism regarding women's legal rights.
In the past, Washington University has given honorary doctorates to many who had strong political views, and maintains that it is whether alumni and others "have become part of the broad public discourse on vital issues" that is a basis for selection, not agreement with the views.
Inside Higher Ed has a longer article on this controversy: Is Phyllis Schlafly Worthy of an Honorary Doctorate? (May 5, 2008)
Is Phyllis Schlafly deserving of an honorary doctorate from Washington University? Was Washington U being diplomatic or disingenuous by leaving out mention of her positions and activism on women's issues? Are the university's standards for selection wise? Are critics of the selection responding fairly?
Update: On May 16, Washington University awarded the honorary doctorate to Phyllis Schlafly. Reaction from Roberta Francis, posted at the website of the National Organization for Women: Phyllis Schlafly and Academic Integrity - An Oxymoron?
I'd welcome your comments on this controversy below.
Comments
My take on it is that by giving her an honorary doctorate, the university is stating they are proud of her. People who find her views repugnant might not want to attend a university that takes pride in such an alum. If I had gone to school there, I would complain.
This is a woman who has made advantageous use of the rights for which feminists fought and died to attempt to deny women the simple rights of human beings.
If she really wants that kind of life, I suggest she move to Saudi Arabia. She sounds perfect for the Wahhabi life.
By granting her an honorary degree, the university is in essence saying that they are proud of her accomplishments. It is an “honor” that Washington University is bestowing on her. I would certainly hesitate to recommend this university to my students with the current leadership that thinks it is not an affront to their women students to have this person, with her sexist views, speak at their graduation.
I think it’s an absolute travesty that Washington University would give this woman an honorary “any degree”. Phyllis Schlafly attempted to set modern women back hundreds of years with her opposition on the Equal Rights Ammendment. For years I felt embarrassed to have been born in the same town in which she once lived! As a former teacher of Woman’s Studies, her name was one never mentioned, as I wanted to glorify all the great women; women who “led the way”.
I think a lot of people are intimidated by Phyllis Schaffly. Personally, I think it should be done after all she has certainly made a difference in society. Universities have given honorary degrees to people who have done less than what she has done. So why not?
Sadly, I often encounter the “closet” Phyllis Schaflys on the college campus where my husband used to work. They are often the older women of her generation who have used the status endowed them by a college degree to sit back and criticize the efforts of younger women to “change the system.”
My bright and talented 14 year old daughter receives recruiting materials from Washington University in St. Louis. I will have her removed from the list. My daughter will never attend an institution that honors someone who has done so much harm and done everything that she can to make my daughter’s life more difficult and less fulfilling.
Phyllis Schlafly is a brilliant, incredibly driven woman who fought for what she believed in and won…against all odds. I spend most days of the week right down the hall from her, as I am interning at Eagle Forum this summer, and I never cease to be amazed at her continued drive at the age of 83. It’s a shame that feminists are still fuming over losses suffered more than two decades ago…losses, I might add, that were actually victories for us as women. Mrs. Schlafly exposed the flaws and future consequences of the ERA, and for that she should be congratulated – not chastised.
In any case, her impact on the modern political scene is unquestionably important. She helped to forge the beginnings of the conservative movement when liberalism was running rampant in our society. Regardless of her views, her contribution to history is terribly important! Anyone who stands up for academic freedom would be wise to recognize the importance of awarding this degree to Mrs. Schlafly.
I suggest reading “The Sweetheart of the Silent Majority” by a liberal feminist – Carol Felsenthal. Although she disagreed with Mrs. Schlafly’s stances, she admired her as a person and wrote a wonderful unauthorized biography. It’s time for liberal feminists to stop attacking the woman behind STOP ERA and find coherent arguments with which to debate. After all, a personal attack is nothing more than a cover-up for a weak argument.
Cordially,
Erika Paul
Eagle Forum Intern
Senior Public Policy/Political Science Student – Southern Methodist University