I am writing to express my deepest disappointment and distress over Smith College’s handling of Evelyn Harris’ alleged “plagiarism” charge and revocation of the honorary degree they presented to her at this year’s commencement. One has to wonder why Smith College failed to provide sufficient guidelines to ensure that Evelyn’s speech met strict academic standards with which she might not be familiar. One also has to wonder why, when Smith College requested and received Evelyn’s speech more than two weeks prior to the event, they failed to raise any questions about its content or suggest that citations might be warranted. Without that support, one can easily see how Evelyn might have assumed her speech met with their approval.
Evelyn was chosen for this honor based on her contributions as a musician and as a custodian of the messages of social justice that she has carried over many decades. She is not a veteran of the world of academia. Evelyn deserved that much-needed guidance and the opportunity to edit or credit any passages where necessary, and avoid the public humiliation to which she was subjected. Unfortunately, the news media took the letter released to the public by the president of Smith College and jumped on the opportunity to publish a captivating headline without sufficient context. Now it is everywhere, and the repercussions to Evelyn have been devastating.
Evelyn is a woman who deserves the highest praise, recognition and gratitude for her life’s work. When Smith College extended this honor to her, it was an opportunity to say that for all of us. Smith’s mishandling of this situation, exacerbated by the news media’s irresponsible reporting, has caused much humiliation and pain. The way these events were allowed to play out feels like a betrayal — not only to Evelyn, but to all of us.
Jason Trotta
Northampton