This was a major decision that was made by Howard University to revoke an honorary degree they had awarded to popular music maker, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The action which has attracted the attention of the public is an indication that the university leadership is ready to stand for what they represent in the face of serious allegations against Combs.
About The Honorary Degree
In 2014, dean of Howard University conferred an honoris causa doctorate on Sean Combs in appreciation of his relevant donation as musician, businessman and philanthropist. During that period, Combs also gave a motivation get speech to most students that where graduating. However, emerging events make it unhappy to remain allied to Combs and this has prompted the university to take action.
Reasons for Revocation
It should be noted that it was Howard University’s Board of Trustees who voted unanimously to rescind the degree. This action came a time when there were several scandals that accused Combs of being a spouse abuser, and a 2016 video demonstrated Combs physically abusing his ex-girlfriend, Cassie. Together with the other allegations of sexual assault, these cases were identified to constitute behaviour which is inherently at odds with this university’s ethos and with the behaviour that can reasonably be expected of recipients of honorary degrees.
Howard University’s Stance
Howard University underlined that Combs’ behaviour in general, which can be seen in the video and the allegations, was shameful enough to deserve no place in the company of the honored students. Management noted that it strongly condemned such things and that it was working to ensure that none of its campuses fostered violent or abusive environments. As a result, the Board issued a decision to have Combs deleted from the list of the Honorary Degree recipients.
Additional Actions Taken by Howard University
However, to be safe, Howard University did not only strip Combs of the honorary degree, but also went further in making sure that it was not associated with him in any way. The university refund of $1 million to Combs and also the nullification of a gift agreement signed prior to 2016. Furthermore, the university even terminated a scholarship program that was named in honor of Combs, which showed the university’s commitment to cutting all the ties with the singer.
Impact on Combs’ Career
Today’s revocation is not the first time the company has had such misfortune and marks a number of losses for Combs. He resigned as the Editor-in-Chief of DNA India in 2016 and in early 2018 he sold his majority stake in Revolt media company which has been established in the year 2013. This sale signified the exit of this mogul’s direct affiliation with the company, given the many legal cases that followed, ranging from civil laws suits to reports of sexual misconduct by many women.
Public and Personal Reactions
Since the university agreed with these allegations, Combs made a public apology for the misleading information. He apologized for his manoeuvres and tragic actions, for making Cassie feel the way he did when he was at the nadir of his life. Although he offered his apologies to her and attempted seeking help from mental health practitioners, people’s reactions have not fully subsided because of the outrage that has been expressed over the incident.
Howard University’s Commitment to Integrity
Howard University cannot compromise its principles and that is evidenced by the stand it has taken regarding integrity and ethical procedures. Explaining the decision of the university to remove the honorary degree and to produce other processes which speak to the university’s procedures for distancing itself from Combs, The university has reiterated its commitment to creating a culture of respect and free from violence for its community.
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