Sunday, April 15, 2018

U OF A HONORARY DEGREE TO OIL INDUSTRY CRITIC

   Edmonton Sun:The former UBC geneticist is a strange choice to receive a high award from a university that owes so much of its existence to the energy industry.
    Having said that, I would never, ever argue that the U of A should be forbidden from granting Suzuki an honorary degree. It IS about free speech and academic independence. The university must be free to grant awards as it sees fit.
    But important principles come with consequences. And if the university finds it harder in the future to find oil companies to donate funds for research projects and high-tech labs, tough luck.
   And if the U comes looking to taxpayers to make up the shortfall, it shouldn’t be too surprised if we’re unwilling, too.

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