Splicetoday

Politics & Media
Jun 17, 2008, 07:48AM

African Dictator's Honorary Degree Revoked

Isn't it great when a university leads the State Department in proactive foreign policy? UMass is moving to take away Robert Mugabe's honorary degree from 20 years ago, before the Zimbabwe president ran his country's economy into the ground and oppressed anyone who didn't support him.

University of Massachusetts president Jack M. Wilson recommended yesterday that the Board of Trustees rescind an honorary degree awarded to Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe more than 20 years ago.

The recommendation to withdraw Mugabe's award came after allegations that he had been involved in human rights violations and suppressed opposition to his policies.

The University awarded Mugabe the degree in 1986 after his 1980 election, when he was "seen as a force for democracy and reform," said the press release.

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