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Petition for Sewanee to Revoke Charlie Rose's Honorary Degree

222 Comments

F
Frederick Rudolph
8 years ago

Honorary degrees are given to acknowledge and recognize exemplary contributions, often lifelong, consistent with the values of the University. Charlie Rose's behavior is inconsistent and the University should ask him to return his degree. If he does not, the University should publicly revoke it. To let it remain in place cheapens the degrees we alumni earned.

E
Elizabeth Boldrick Roberts
8 years ago

Time’s up for tolerating sexual harassment. This alumna supports the students.

A
Alison Cayton
8 years ago

I wish for the Regents to revoke the award to Mr. Rose due to his misconduct. It is an appropriate action due to the relatively recent timing of the award to Mr. Rose. Many of the same decision makers who granted the award are still involved with the University in the same capacity. By not revoking the award they implicitly condone his actions. That is a disappointing and offensive position for the University leadership to take.

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Corey Thornblad
8 years ago

Class of 1999

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Rick Starr
8 years ago

The university’s delay in addressing this erodes its legacy of honor and ethics. Never failing succession of benefactors, please take note.

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Amanda Rowcliffe
8 years ago

It's time to revoke this honorary degree. Combined letters from School of Theology and University professors and students should already have convinced you.

L
Laura Phares Black
8 years ago

Revoke Charlie Rose’s honorary degree

T
Trish McAllister
8 years ago

Revoke Charlie Rose's honorary degree. Do not perpetuate the societal bias that men are somehow more believable than women. That women may have misremembered things. That women are emotional and irrational. That women are so irresistible that men are unable to control themselves - boys will be boys after all. Eight women do not lie. What could possibly be their motivation? Why would the University of the South want to be associated with his legacy?

M
Michele Salchow
8 years ago

C’86

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Laurie Jarrett Rogers
8 years ago

Stand for something or you will fall for anything. If Charlie Rose keeps that honorary degree, then all the other honorable and honest people on whom honorary degrees have been bestowed have their degrees lessened. This matters. EQB.

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Ruth Jones
8 years ago

We can forgive him without honoring him.

A
Anne McGarry
8 years ago

Send the message that sexual harassment is not tolerated by a school with a proud tradition of the Honor Code.

M
Mary Keenan
8 years ago

Anyone who is honored by Sewanee should reflect our value of respecting the dignity of every human being. Charlie Rose does not.

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Catherine Richardson
8 years ago

Sadly, seems like the same old Sewanee I knew in the '80s--.rampant sexual assaults, and absolutely zero guidance or support from the Administration. In fact, quite the opposite...And I don't even know where to start with the brutal and sexist public harassment of the female student population.

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Patrick Berger
8 years ago

Given the preponderance of evidence that Charlie Rose repeatedly committed misconduct of a sexual nature with women over whom he had authority and given that he continues to minimize the experience of those women, I do not believe "forgiveness" is the appropriate course of action. I ask that the Board of Reagents revoke Charlie Rose's honorary degree.

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Vikki OHara
8 years ago

SOT alum - I am deeply disturbed by the Regents’ failure to act in this situation and will no longer support the University in any way until appropriate action is taken,

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John Davis C78
8 years ago

This alumnus stands with the students.

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The Rev Tyler Richards
8 years ago

T’16

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Jaine Pledger
8 years ago

Women all over the world are dedicating their lives to educate themselves and join the workfield. Women of all races need to know they are entering a safe place to work and that their values and skills will not be undermined by the sexual desires of men. Women bring the same talent, skill, intelligence and work ethic that men bring to the field. Women must not put aside their talent to fight against sexual misconduct. In order for them to remain focused on their professional field we must support the fight against sexual misconduct.

J
Jaine Pledger
8 years ago

Women all over the world are dedicating their lives to educate themselves and join the workfield. Women of all races need to know they are entering a safe place to work and that their values and skills will not be undermined by the sexual desires of men. Women bring the same talent, skill, intelligence and work ethic that men bring to the field. Women must not put aside their talent to fight against sexual misconduct. In order for them to remain focused on their professional field we must support the fight against sexual misconduct.