Honorary degrees are frequently awarded to public figures for particular aspects of their work or lives regardless of their past, and it is tragic that a major western university would deny Hirsi Ali recognition due to what she may have said in the past.  It is even worse when they cannot publicly admit that they have been bullied by intolerant bigots and have to offer some pathetic excuse about 'core values' - which went unstated.

Universities are key institutions for the advancement of human learning and understanding, in all fields of endeavour.  There has been a long and often tragic history of religious bullying holding back and silencing those who would dare to criticise and to ask that we all think again - from Copernicus or Galileo to Darwin and today courageous women like Ayaan Hirsi Ali.  Surely the most fundamental core value of any university is the preservation of intellectual freedom in the face of all intolerance and oppression.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a valued and valuable critic and victim of aspects of Islam who has had much to say, eloquently and beautifully and powerfully.  Not all may agree with her views or wish to hear them endorsed, but that is no reason to silence her or deny her public recognition.  Supporting Ayaan Hirsi Ali by signing this petition to ask Brandeis University to change its mind once more to endorse her fully and bravely in the face of political correctness and bullying intolerance is not just an act of justice for her, but for all of us, including any who might feel the need to speak out in the future.