David,

When my post said, “Centrist”, that’s actually because it was directed at Centrist, so that just might be why it didn’t address your “concepts”. Anyway, its great that you and Steven Colbert have evolved to the point where you don’t see race or gender, but members of the reality-based community recognize that people’s race, gender, and sexual orientation often effect how they are treated in the world. And I personally didn’t say that those were the only things that make up the concept of diversity; you can define the term more broadly if you want and it still won’t change the fact that Schlafly has insulted over half of the people who will be graduating this week.

Adam,

I am sure you can add a few more victims to your list of those deserving of special treatment under the guise of diversity. If you are looking for those responsible for treating people different based on race, gender, etc., you need look no further than your reflection in the mirror.

I do not think that you speak for half of the population, but I doubt that that 50% of the people in this country feel insulted by Ms. Schlafly. There are plenty of public figures that have received numerous honorary degrees that have insulted far people more including Senator Obama and the Rev. Wright. Under your litmus test, the entire concept of honorary degrees and commencement speakers would vanish. I guess this is not necessarily a bad thing. Your argument is not consistent or intellectually honest.

P.S. I have never watch Stephen Colbert, so I have no idea what his views are on any topic. If this is where you get your news, the genesis for your opinions seems very clear.

Im not sure how this became a political debate. Her comments should incite everyone. Its as plain as day. She does not believe that a husband can rape his wife!! Well that is indefensible; it is a shame that people are attaching political assumptions to a domestic violence issue. I had thoughts of applying to a Washington University graduate program, but their endorsement of such a misguided bigot, makes me questions some of the beliefs that I thought they held true. I am not a left wing time wasting radical, nor a bible thumping conservative. I fall right in the middle, I am a time wasting bible thumper who believe in the rights of everyone. (Mrs. Shclafely- just so you know that INCLUDES women) I think it is a shame that Wash U is honoring someone who promotes violence. Make this a debate about the definition of rape and see who comes out looking like an idiot.

…just like the living-wage sit in and psuedo-fast of 2005 that happened promptly after someone heard about someone else protesting something similar on NPR, this is really more about WUSTL’s student body keeping up with the Joneses @ NIU and UMASS that it is about Phyllis Schlafly, specifically.

Some WUSTL undergrads (college undergrads in particular) are not unlike Roosters. Something perfectly normal and predictible happens to the East of them, and they promptly go along making a locally distracting commotion for a short time just so they can feellike they were part of it.

…Woosters.

I think it is a complete farce for Wash U to confer anything on Mrs. Schlafly. I feel those honors should be reserved for contributions to society as a whole. She has been nothing but devisive with her views. Her response to the protests (Bitter Women) is just a prime example of why this degree should not be awarded.
Cheers to UMASS President for doing what he should do and rescind the degree given to Mugabe-I would not think Washington Univ. would want to have to consider doing the same thing with one given to Schlafly, so why bother in the first place. To place her in the same category as the other deserving recipients is laughable to anyone who belives in individual rights!

I notice no one has a problem with left-wing, Chris Matthews, who was described by the arch conservative Terry MacAullife as being biased, unfair, even Barak Obama’s campaign manager, receiving an award. I am sure he will get a strange feeling up his leg being around all those radicals. Washngton U should be embarressed honoring someone who works for such an example of bias as MSNBC. The radicals at Wash U. continue to prove it isn’t about fairness and an open exchange of ideas, its about Stalinist control of thought. Remember, however, standing up for Stalinist control does not protect you. Stalin’s policy was “investigate those we trust”. You will be next. But, remember, individual rights don’t matter, its all for the common good. That’s all that matters. Is it true Wash U. plans to add the honorific “Comrade” before each graduates; name is read? See how easy that was? But, you don’t see Conservatives caring. You are a bunch of whiny hypocrites.

Please. Schlafly is a remnant from the stone age on several counts. She is part of the far right that wants to dismantle higher education and public education. Wash U. obviously supports Schlafly’s barbaric and uneducated stance on social issues, which is also why they dismantled the Sociology Department years ago. She is a perfect poster elder to represent the NEED for education, not the success of education.

Some of you folks are having a great time insulting each other. I haven’t read much of Phyllis Schlafly’s writings. Every time she spoke, I found myself disagreeing with her position (I was a young new voter at the time just learning about my own viewpoints). I think I do agree that she probably should not receive a degree, but here’s why; I don’t think I’ve ever heard her RESPECTFULLY disagree with a political position. As has been noted, her comments are so frequently insulting to the objects of her criticism. There is respectful, intelligent dissention, and then, there is trashy, beer-drinking, smartass, angry, redneck dissention. Her comments usually remind me of the latter. Sorry, that’s just the way I see her. And we don’t care who she talks to or where she talks, but as a WUSTL employee, I do late to see honors bestowed upon her, but, “this, too, shall pass!”.

Kevin, I like your Rodney Dangerfield impression.

Rock on phyllis …………..you are right on every count. These women are self loathing professional victims who hop around with one foot in a bucket crying foul at every turn. Why don’t you “progressives” do something about the 3 million children a year slaughtered thru abortion. I see you recently blocked any attempt to relieve the pain of these babies before they are ripped to pieces because it offends you. Unreal………dogs have more rights. Don’t forget that half of these babies you rip to shreds are female. How is that for women’s rights. Protest your own ignorance, you sorry lot.