“With recent elections in Zimbabwe, it became more evident than ever that President Mugabe had little regard for human rights or human life as he systematically eliminated all opposition to his presidency,” university President Lou Anna Simon said in a statement.
She said revoking an honorary degree “is not to be taken lightly.”
“This is the first time in MSU’s 153-year history that an honorary degree has been revoked,” Simon said.
Michigan State trustees approved the step unanimously Friday.
“Mugabe’s persistent acts of violence, aggression and intimidation ... even in the face of substantive and regular international rebuke leave Michigan State University no choice but to act,” the board’s resolution said.
Gwashavanhu said his nation’s president was “a darling of the west” until he took on land redistribution. The embassy official criticized what he termed “foreign interference” in his nation’s affairs.
South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki, with backing from other African leaders, sought to mediate the dispute between Mugabe and opponents, leading up to Thursday’s announced agreement.
“This is an African solution. Why would it concern anyone outside of Africa?” Gwashavanhu asked.
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