@DrRaphaelC Howard University’s Board of Trustees’ decision to sever ties with and revoke the Honorary Degree once bestowed upon Sean “Diddy” Combs was appropriate and courageous. The fortitude it took to arrive at this decision in an era of gross underfunding and undermining of Historically Black Colleges and Universities displayed Howard’s commitment to supporting its alums, current and future students, as well as its mission and purpose. One would imagine long discussions surrounding the significant financial contracts, pledges, and scholarships offered by Mr. Combs and strategies for recouping those funds elsewhere. However, Howard University stood firm and made the best decision for its students and its reputation.
Howard University has a history of awarding Honorary Degrees to distinguished, well-deserving individuals across many industries. In addition to being distinguished in their field, as noted by their work and contributions, one is assumed to be a person of good character. As alleged and reported, Mr. Combs’ recent and historical behavior does not align with the image upheld by the university; as such, Howard was well within its right to cut ties with Mr. Combs. Perhaps Diddy mistakenly believed that his financial contributions to the university outweighed his work and service to communities that earned him the Honorary Degree. The status of holding an Honorary Degree from Howard Pails compared to the loss of student scholarship funds pledged by Diddy. However, I have every confidence that the university will ensure that these funds do not harm students.
Honor is the root word in honorary, as in Honorary Degree. I opine that the behaviors and misconduct of Diddy, as viewed on video, alleged, and reported, are neither honorable nor deserving of Howard University’s highest honor, and the Board of Trustees made the correct decision in rescinding the Honorary Degree. On the part of university leaders, swift action displayed a willingness to protect and distance itself from the problem created by Diddy. However, the real problem is one that Mr. Combs must confront and work through personally. I hope that Mr. Combs and his alleged victims get the help they need and that he can grow from his past and become the man of which both he and Howard University can be proud. Howard University’s actions displayed courage and could be a case study for other institutions facing similar challenges.
Raphael Crawford, Ed. D. is a former Tennessee Highly Effective principal who currently mentors school leaders and serves as the chief consultant for educational reform and organizational leadership with The Crawford Group. During his tenure as a school leader and “turn-around” principal, he was appointed as a Tennessee school district leadership trainer for the Tennessee Educator Accelerated Model and Tennessee Common Core State Standards. Dr. Crawford's school was selected for a visit by former President George W. Bush, and his leadership while improving a formerly low-performing school was also recognized by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.
Howard University has a history of awarding Honorary Degrees to distinguished, well-deserving individuals across many industries. In addition to being distinguished in their field, as noted by their work and contributions, one is assumed to be a person of good character. As alleged and reported, Mr. Combs’ recent and historical behavior does not align with the image upheld by the university; as such, Howard was well within its right to cut ties with Mr. Combs. Perhaps Diddy mistakenly believed that his financial contributions to the university outweighed his work and service to communities that earned him the Honorary Degree. The status of holding an Honorary Degree from Howard Pails compared to the loss of student scholarship funds pledged by Diddy. However, I have every confidence that the university will ensure that these funds do not harm students.
Honor is the root word in honorary, as in Honorary Degree. I opine that the behaviors and misconduct of Diddy, as viewed on video, alleged, and reported, are neither honorable nor deserving of Howard University’s highest honor, and the Board of Trustees made the correct decision in rescinding the Honorary Degree. On the part of university leaders, swift action displayed a willingness to protect and distance itself from the problem created by Diddy. However, the real problem is one that Mr. Combs must confront and work through personally. I hope that Mr. Combs and his alleged victims get the help they need and that he can grow from his past and become the man of which both he and Howard University can be proud. Howard University’s actions displayed courage and could be a case study for other institutions facing similar challenges.
Raphael Crawford, Ed. D. is a former Tennessee Highly Effective principal who currently mentors school leaders and serves as the chief consultant for educational reform and organizational leadership with The Crawford Group. During his tenure as a school leader and “turn-around” principal, he was appointed as a Tennessee school district leadership trainer for the Tennessee Educator Accelerated Model and Tennessee Common Core State Standards. Dr. Crawford's school was selected for a visit by former President George W. Bush, and his leadership while improving a formerly low-performing school was also recognized by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.