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One of six people to receive honorary degrees at this year’s Commencement ceremony will be notable conservative political leader Phyllis Schlafly, a Washington University graduate and donor.
Schlafly’s distinction has led to criticism of the University for what some see as implicit support of her views, several of which have aroused controversy.
In response to her impending award, students have created a Facebook group entitled “No honorary doctorate for anti-feminist Phyllis Schlafly.” The group targets Schlafly’s stances on feminism, marital rape and sex education, saying that they do not “fit with the future [of] the men and women of Wash. U.’s graduating class,” and that her presence at Commencement will be “incongruous at best, offensive at worst.”
Chancellor Mark Wrighton, however-who confirmed the selection of the recipients-said that Schlafly’s accomplishments and fame merit the honorary degree.
“Her contributions have inspired women and she certainly is a leader,” Wrighton said. “She is well known on a national level for the conservative movement.”
Wrighton added that though many-including himself-may disagree with Schlafly’s views, her writings have value in that they serve to enliven the national political discourse.
“I would not myself agree with her political views,” he said. “When you step back from it you have to admire her for working for the great democracy that we enjoy. She’s a prominent leader and a prominent woman, and she happens to be a conservative.”
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