The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has revoked an honorary doctorate awarded to Kanye West , as the fallout from the rapper's offensive remarks about Black and Jewish people continues.
The prestigious art college announced the decision on Thursday, saying in a statement that "the School of the Art Institute of Chicago condemns and repudiates Kanye West's (now know as Ye) anti-Black, antisemitic, racist, and dangerous statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities.
"Ye's actions do not align with SAIC's mission and values, and we've rescinded his honorary degree," it added.
The 45-year-old star was awarded the honorary doctorate in 2015, in recognition of his contributions to art and culture.
Following his controversial actions, a group called Against Hate at SAIC launched a Change.org petition calling for the award to be rescinded, saying it would be harmful to allow it to stand.
"This harm impacts the artists, designers and scholars affiliated to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and their values of justice, compassion, and free expression without hatred.".
The rescinding of the honorary degree comes weeks after a mural celebrating West was painted over in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. »