University Will Not Award Honorary Degree to Woman Because She Has Made Comments Critical of Islam

BOSTON (AP) — Brandeis (BRAN'-dys) University in Massachusetts has decided not to award an honorary degree to a woman who has made comments critical of Islam.

The decision follows complaints from students, faculty members and others about honoring Somali-born Ayaan Hirsi Ali (ah-YAHN' HUR'-see AH'-ee).

In a 2007 interview with Reason Magazine, Ali was quoted saying that "we are at war with Islam" and urged that Muslims be "defeated."

The university issued a statement Tuesday night saying it can't overlook statements "that are inconsistent with Brandeis University's core values."

An online petition created Monday gathered thousands of signatures. And more than 85 of about 350 faculty members signed a letter asking for Ali's retraction.

Ali is a former member of the Dutch Parliament. She declined to comment to The Associated Press this week.