University rescinds degree for Rev. Wright

CHICAGO, May 2 (UPI) -- The president of Illinois' Northwestern University said he reversed the school's decision to give an honorary doctorate degree to Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.

Wright, who was the pastor of Democratic Party presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., has received national media attention for hurting the senator's campaign with his controversial statements on race.

"In light of the controversy surrounding statements made by you that have recently been publicized, the celebratory character of Northwestern's commencement would be affected by our conferring of this honorary degree," Northwestern President Henry Bienen wrote in a March letter to Wright.

Wright was quoted as saying the degree offer was withdrawn because Bienen said he "wasn't patriotic enough," the Chicago Tribune reported.

Northwestern responded claiming Bienen "never characterized Dr. Wright's views or made a judgment about them."

This is likely the only time Northwestern has withdrawn an offer for an honorary degree, spokesman Alan Cubbage said.