Honorary Degrees, Commencement Speakers, and the Case of John Ashcroft

In light of recently released “torture memos” and with current heated
politics at the state and national levels, many members of the
university have expressed concern that Truman State University has
invited such a controversial figure as John Ashcroft to speak at our
upcoming commencement and, further, to receive one of the first honorary
degrees awarded by our university.

AAUP press release (May 7, 2009)

2000 Faculty Senate resolution granting the Board of Governors the authority to award honorary degrees (pdf format)

Board of Governors resolution to grant an honorary degree to John Ashcroft (Word format)

Ashcroft’s commencement speech, honorary degree at Mo. school draws criticism from students (AP, May 7, 2009)

John Ashcroft’s Honorary Degree (Daily Kos, May 6, 2009)

Ashcroft date stirs campus (Columbia Daily Tribune, May 5, 2009)

‘This isn’t what our campus supports‘ (Index, April 30, 2009)

Discussion in Letters to the Editor (Index, April 30, 2009)

KBIA: Some in Truman State Community Upset About Graduation Speaker (2009-04-28)

Truman students, professors voice opposition to Ashcroft – Kirksville, MO – Kirksville Daily Express

Ashcroft’s selection to give commencement speech at Truman State ruffles some feathers | The Grade |

What’s Going On — A Daily Express Column – Kirksville, MO – Kirksville Daily Express (Sat Apr 25, 2009, 10:38 AM CDT)

Ashcroft’s award stirs controversy – (Index)
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: News

In the spirit academic freedom, we held on open forum for the university community
(faculty, students, staff) on April 27, 2009. discussion. Professor
Jerrold Hirsch (History) moderated a small panel of students and
faculty and a discussion with the audience.

Listen (1hr30min) or download (80MB) audio of panel discussion and open forum (Monday, April 27, 2009, 7 PM, 1000 Magruder Hall)