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Edith Cowan University vice chancellor Steve Chapman . Photo : Colin Murty
Losing value
ECU backs down on awarding controversial honorary doctorate .
By Wade Zaglas
Honorary doctorates are typically given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Australian society , but questions are being asked about their worth in light of one being recently rescinded at a Perth university .
Edith Cowan University ( ECU ) recently told students and staff it had revoked an honorary doctorate granted to a former politician , Times Higher Education ( THE ) reported . The politician was Barry House , an MP who was president of the state parliament ’ s upper house .
ECU originally planned on letting House ’ s honorary doctorate stand – despite the opposition of lobbyists – but vice-chancellor Steve Chapman said the university ’ s council found House ’ s views on homosexuality were “ incompatible with the university ’ s values ”.
House ’ s honorary doctorate was announced in March , THE reported , and triggered protests from Busselton Pride Alliance ( BPA ), an LGBTQIA + advocacy group in House ’ s south-west WA region .
“ BPA spokeswoman and ECU student Clare Paine said House had voted against the decriminalisation of homosexuality and adoption rights for same-sex couples , among other equity measures ,” THE said .
“ In 2002 , during debate on a lesbian and gay law reform bill , he said he respected homosexuals as people and professionals but ‘ I cannot respect what they do and what they stand for in their private life .’”
The university cited House ’ s outstanding career in teaching and politics as its rationale for awarding him an honorary doctorate , but Paine said an individual ’ s career must be considered in its totality .
“ If you ’ re giving somebody an award for the role they were in , you need to look at everything they ’ ve done in that role ,” she said .
In June the vice-chancellor wrote to BPA , stating that the award would not be revoked . Further , the letter also highlighted “ Mr House ’ s apology , regret at the hurt his past comments have caused and his assurance that his views have changed ”.
However , BPA not only accused ECU of being influenced by “ weasel words ”, the lobby group also maintained House had neither apologised to the gay community nor changed his views .
“ Until now , Mr House ’ s comments were the problem . ECU is now part of the problem too because its response ignores the concerns of the LGBTI community ,” BPA ’ s letter says .
House ’ s honorary doctorate was finally revoked after he published a letter in the Busselton Dunsborough Times , emphasising his right to an “ alternative ” opinion , THE said .
“ No group has the right to become judge and jury ,” his letter says .
Australian universities have cheapened the currency of honorary doctorates by issuing far too many ... Why should Greg Norman and The Wiggles be recognised in such a way ?
“ Isn ’ t it strange that this small minority group , who preaches love all round , seem to be the most nasty , intolerant and vindictive people in our community ? Having said all that , I wish them well .”
Corporate governance campaigner Stephen Mayne told online publication crikey . com that honorary doctorates should only be issued “ in very special circumstances ” to exceptional individuals with substantive university affiliations .
“ Australian universities have cheapened the currency of honorary doctorates by issuing far too many ,” he said .
“ Dishing out honorary doctorates like confetti to curry favour or win some publicity cheapens the achievement of academics who have put years into their PhDs .
“ You can understand former premiers and prime ministers being awarded one , but why should [ golfer ] Greg Norman and [ children ’ s entertainers ] The Wiggles be recognised in such a way ?” ■
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