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Michael Flynn (left) and Rudy Giuliani (archive image): "Responsibility for Preserving American Democracy"
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
Michael Flynn and Rudy Giuliani hold honorary doctorates from the University of Rhode Island (URI) – so far.
The university has now decided to withdraw these honorary degrees from both of them.
The decision was unanimous in the responsible Board of Trustees.
The Guardian reported about it first.
Giuliani was honored by the university in 2003 for his leadership as New York City mayor in managing the crisis following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Flynn, who graduated from URI in 1981, was honored in 2014.
At the time, the US Army officer was director of the internal military intelligence agency DIA. In 2017 he became US President Donald Trump's security adviser, and Giuliani became Trump's personal lawyer.
It also has to do with Trump that the URI is withdrawing its honors. The university bears responsibility for preserving American democracy "by inspiring good civic behavior," says a statement from university president Marc Parlange: "If we now withdraw these honorary degrees, we are strengthening these values and leading with truth and integrity. «
A URI commission evaluated the behavior of the two and recommended the step.
Flynn lied to the FBI several times and explained that a military coup was necessary in the USA.
He also spoke out against freedom of religion.
Giuliani attended the January 6, 2021 rally that led to the attack on the Capitol.
His words had encouraged acts of terrorism and he had been banned from his profession for his unsubstantiated allegations of alleged presidential election fraud.
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