Kanye West loses his honorary degree after Nazi-loving rants

Chicago, Illinois - The School of the Art Institute of Chicago on Thursday rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Kanye "Ye" West after the disgraced artist's descent into full-blown Nazi-worship.

Kanye West receiving his honorary doctorate in fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2015.
Kanye West receiving his honorary doctorate in fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2015.  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

The unprecedented decision comes amid growing public pressure on Ye after he repeatedly made explicitly antisemitic statements. He has also recently praised Adolf Hitler on a far-right talk show and was kicked off Twitter once again for posting a photo of a swastika.

"The School of the Art Institute of Chicago condemns and repudiates Kanye West’s (now know as Ye) anti-Black, antisemitic, racist and dangerous statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities. Ye’s actions do not align with SAIC’s mission and values," a statement shared by school spokesperson Bree Witt said.

Controversy swirled in 2015 when the Art Institute awarded the rapper and fashion mogul, raised in Chicago, a doctorate, the Chicago Tribune reported at the time.

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"This honor is going to make your lives easier," Ye said seven years ago. "You don’t have to defend me as much!"

The 45-year-old had already lost major deals and partnerships because of his statements in recent months before he escalated his antisemitic rhetoric last week.

Adidas ended its partnership with Ye in October after he tweeted he would soon go "death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE," while ties with Balenciaga and the Gap were also cut.

School says Kanye "made dangerous statements"

Kanye West has been denounced for his antisemitic and pro-Nazi remarks.
Kanye West has been denounced for his antisemitic and pro-Nazi remarks.  © SAUL LOEB / AFP

A petition calling for his honorary School of the Art Institute of Chicago degree to be rescinded emerged last week after his Infowars show appearance and quickly spread. It garnered over 4,000 signatures.

"Regardless of his contributions prior to receipt of this award, it is harmful to allow Ye, as he is presently known, to continue to use the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to help legitimize hatred and violence," the petition said. "This harm impacts all oppressed peoples, who stand to suffer when intimidation and deadly violence against people on the basis of their identity are made justifiable."

In a letter announcing the decision, Art Institute President Elissa Tenny said she conferred with the school’s Board of Governors. The artist has "exhibited disturbing behaviors and made dangerous statements" since the school awarded him the degree, she wrote.

"Though we firmly believe in the right to express a diversity of opinions and beliefs, the severity of his behavior made it clear that rescinding this honor was appropriate," Tenny said.

Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

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