Kanye West’s honorary doctorate revoked for ‘anti-Black’ and ‘anti-Semitic’ feedback

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) joins the growing list of institutions taking a public stand against Kanye West and all his controversies.

SAIC President: “Our Identities and Life Experiences Are Under Attack”

It was recently announced that the Chicago-based art school would revoke Kanye’s honorary doctorate, which he received back in 2015.

In a statement obtained by TMZ, Elissa Tenny – president of SAIC – said Ye “has exhibited disturbing behavior and made dangerous statements that are inconsistent with our community values” after receiving the honor.

“His anti-Black, anti-Semitic and inflammatory statements, particularly those aimed at Black and Jewish communities, are repugnant and condemnable. His words and actions have been painful for our entire community and especially for those of us who feel our identities and life experiences are being attacked.”

Eventually, in response to Yes’s antics, the institution decided to revoke the honorary doctorate.

“While the school bestows honorary degrees on individuals based on their contributions to the arts and culture at a given point in time, its actions are not consistent with SAIC’s mission and values. After hearing from many of you and in consultation with the Board of Governors, Kanye West’s honorary doctorate has been revoked.”

Tenny also noted that SAIC had never previously revoked an honorary degree, although administrators believe the action is “appropriate” in this situation.

“There is no precedent in SAIC’s more than 80 years of awarding honorary degrees for their revocation, and as a university we know we must uphold a higher standard in protecting freedom of expression. While we firmly believe in the right to express a diversity of opinions and beliefs, the severity of his behavior made it clear that the removal of this honor was appropriate.”

Kanye West was stripped of his honorary degree from the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. pic.twitter.com/A4X4uWqgLa

— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 8, 2022

Kanye West recently got upset about Hitler comments

Ye was definitely no stranger to backlash in recent years, especially given his comments on slavery and association with unpopular figures like Donald Trump and Candace Owens (to name a few controversies). Last week, however, he apparently upped the ante.

As previously reported by The Shade Room, Kanye West made some questionable statements about Hitler during his Infowars appearance. In fact, he said bluntly that he “sees[s] Good things about Hitler.”

“I also see good things in Hitler. i love everyone Jews are not going to tell me that you can love us and you can love what we are doing to you with the treaties and you can love what we are pushing with the pornography. But this guy who invented highways, invented the very mic that I use as a musician, you can’t say out loud that this person has ever done any good, and I’m done with that.”

Kanye West continued, “Every human being has something valuable that they brought to the table — especially Hitler.” He also stated, “There are a lot of things I love about Hitler.”

What Happens Now: Kanye West tells Alex Jones he “also sees good things in Hitler” pic.twitter.com/sjqF4Fnunb

— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 1, 2022

Alex Jones is desperate to get Kanye West to clarify that he doesn’t really love Hitler…but no.

Ye: “There are many things I love about Hitler. Many things.” pic.twitter.com/QI87RNcx8A

— Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) December 1, 2022

Yes’s comments eventually prompted far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to distance himself from the rapper. Additionally, further escapades prompted Elon Musk to ban West’s Twitter account.

Do you agree with SAIC’s decision to revoke Kanye West’s honorary doctorate? Do you also think it could be on the way to being canceled for good?