Smith College faced controversy after musician and activist Evelyn Harris returned her honorary degree following revelations that she plagiarized significant portions of her commencement speech. The incident has sparked discussions about academic integrity and the vetting processes of prestigious institutions.
During the May 18 commencement ceremony at the elite women’s college in Massachusetts, Harris delivered a speech that, according to Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton, “borrowed much of her speech” without “typical attribution.” Harris acknowledged her actions and voluntarily relinquished the honorary degree, stating she aimed to “infuse the words of others with her own emotional valence.”
The college plans to release a revised version of the graduation highlights, omitting Harris’s speech. Other honorary degree recipients at the ceremony included Harvard professor Danielle Allen, public health official Rachel Levine, and writer Preeti Simran Sethi.
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters. Some of Harris’s colleagues defended her, suggesting that her approach was akin to musical performances where artists interpret existing works. However, critics argue that such justifications undermine the principles of academic honesty and set a troubling precedent for future ceremonies.
This episode raises questions about the standards upheld by academic institutions and the importance of maintaining integrity, especially during significant events like commencement ceremonies.
