School of the Art Institute of Chicago strips honorary degree awarded to Kanye West
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Controversial rapper Kanye West had his honorary degree awarded by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) rescinded, citing his recent controversial remarks.
In a statement yesterday (December 8), the school said it condemns West's anti-Black, antisemitic, racist and dangerous statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities, CBS Chicago reported.
“Ye's actions do not align with SAIC's mission and values, and we've rescinded his honorary degree,” the school said in reference to the rapper and music mogul.
This comes after antisemitic remarks made by West, including praising Adolf Hitler.
The honorary degree was first awarded in 2015.
A petition launched by the group Against Hate at SAIC urging the school to strip the artist of the honour had seen more than 4,000 students signing.
Before becoming famous, the 45-year-old attended college for painting, then English.
He did not attend the School of the Art Institute — he first attended the American Academy of Art, then Chicago State University.
He dropped out at 20, releasing his successful debut album four years later.
In recent weeks, West made a series of antisemitic comments, seeing him praise Hitler in an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
On the same day of the interview, Elon Musk tweeted that West's Twitter account has been suspended for violating the company's rules against incitement to violence after an antisemitic post.
His talent agency also dropped him and a handful of companies like Adidas had cut ties with him.
