A musician from Virginia, Evelyn Harris, has decided to give up her honorary degree from Smith College after admitting to plagiarizing much of her commencement speech. The announcement came from Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton shortly after the graduation ceremony held on May 18, where Harris was one of four recipients honored with an honorary degree.
The commendation quickly turned into controversy when it was revealed that Harris used extensive portions of speeches from other authors without proper attribution, something that contradicts the fundamental principles of academic integrity that Smith College upholds. In a transparent acknowledgment of her actions, Harris admitted to borrowing heavily from others’ words, attempting to weave her personal emotional resonance into the speech.
President Willie-LeBreton expressed understanding of Harris’s choice, highlighting her appreciation for the contributions Harris has made to music and culture over the years. “I appreciate those who brought the dissonance of this moment to our attention and am very grateful for the graciousness of Evelyn Harris’s decision,” Willie-LeBreton stated.
Evelyn Harris has a long-standing career in music, boasting over 50 years of experience as a vocalist and teacher. She is part of the Massachusetts-based soul group StompBoxTrio, where she excels in vocals and percussion alongside fellow musicians Paul Kochanski and John Cabán. She has roots in Virginia and honed her musical talents at Howard University, becoming deeply embedded in the local jazz scene.
This incident raises important discussions about academic integrity and the responsibility of public figures, such as honorary degree recipients, to uphold the values they represent. Harris’s choice to step back from the degree may serve as a reminder for others in similar positions to tread carefully and honor their commitments to original work.
Overall, the situation provides an opportunity for reflection on the values of originality and transparency within artistic expression, while also recognizing the long-lasting contributions of artists like Evelyn Harris to the cultural landscape.