Northwestern Withdraws Honorary Degree Offer to Rev. Wright

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Northwestern University has withdrawn its offer of an honorary degree to Rev. Jeremiah Wright after his controversial comments on race spawned a firestorm in the Democratic presidential nomination race and forced Sen. Barack Obama to disavow him.

Wright, who was Obama's former pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ on the South Side of Chicago, was extended an invitation to receive an honorary degree at the university's commencement in June, according to a university statement. The university said it made the offer on the recommendation of faculty committees.

"In light of the controversy around Dr. Wright and to ensure that the celebratory character of Commencement not be affected, the University has withdrawn its invitation to Dr. Wright," Vice President of University Relations Alan Cubbage, said in the statement.

We are kind of surprised.Usually,universities welcome everyone unless they are registered Republicans,libertarians,evangelical Christians or people who feel universities should start paying taxes.