Musician and activist Evelyn Harris returned her honorary degree from Smith College after it was revealed that she plagiarized much of her commencement ceremony speech. According to Smith College president Sarah Willie-LeBreton, Harris “borrowed much of her speech” without “typical attribution” and decided to give up her degree. “Ms. Harris was forthcoming about her choices while also acknowledging that she sought to infuse the words of others with her own emotional valence,” Willie-LeBreton said in a statement. “With appreciation for the requirement of academic integrity so central to the values of Smith, Ms. Harris has chosen to relinquish her honorary degree.” “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 wrote. ‘ZIONISTS DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE’: MEET THE LEADER OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S ANTI-ISRAEL ENCAMPMENT Two of Harris’ bandmates in the cover band Young@Heart defended her actions in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, claiming that “plagiarism works a little differently for us.” “We sing lyrics and play music written by others without explicitly crediting them from the stage, without asking their permission, but often getting the original artist’s enthusiastic response when they eventually hear our version,” Bob Cilman and Julia van IJken wrote. “We imagine Evelyn may have been doing something similar in her speech and was honoring the words of others.” Get 40% Off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships Cilman and Julia van IJken accuse Smith College of attempting to humiliate Harris, as does another of Harris’ acquaintances and Smith College alumna. “I personally know Evelyn not only submitted her speech for approval to Smith College weeks in advance and received an edited version back from them in tacit and overt approval for her to give that speech,” Tolley M. Jones wrote in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. RUBIO SHARES PLANS FOR CAMPUS PROTESTERS IN FIERY SENATE HEARING “Smith College hastily, with a singular goal toward shuffling unwanted negative publicity away from itself, chose to deliberately humiliate Evelyn by telling the world that she violated Smith’s academic standards by borrowing some of the words of others to encourage the new graduates to live their lives authentically.” Harris is a longtime musician who spent 18 years as a member of Sweet Honey In The Rock, an African-American, female a cappella group founded in 1973 and nominated for three Grammy Awards. She “weaves political activism with harmony and fosters community through song, finding ways to address racism, misogyny, and other forms of discrimination with expressions of joy, hallelujah praising, and spiritual testimony,” according to Smith College. The college added that it will distribute a new version of the highlights from the May 18 commencement ceremony, given the situation with Harris. HOMELAND SECURITY TO SCREEN IMMIGRANTS AND FOREIGN STUDENTS’ SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ANTI-SEMITISM President Joe Biden’s 17th assistant secretary for health, Rachel Levine, also received an honorary degree from Smith College. Levine is a transgender four-star admiral who was accused of promoting “transgender extremist policies” and “mutilating surgeries for minors,” according to Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

It’s a sad day for Rock n’ Roll fans. Rick Derringer, the legendary guitarist behind hits like Hang on Sloopy and Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo, passed away on May 26 at age 77. According to a Facebook post by friend Tony Wilson, Rick’s family and loved ones were by his side. TMZ reported that Rick underwent a triple bypass surgery earlier this year but seemed to be doing well. His wife, Jenda Derringer, told TMZ he passed away “peacefully” after suffering a medical episode. She added, “We thought we had years left, but God’s timing is perfect.” Tony Wilson Stayed By Rick Derringer’s Side Until His Death Tony Wilson, known as Young James Brown, was a dear friend and caretaker of Rick Derringer. He shared the heartbreaking news of his friend’s death on Facebook. “With a career spanning six decades, The Legendary Rick Derringer left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, Singer songwriter, and producer. As a member of the McCoys, he achieved fame with hits like ‘Hang On Sloopy.’ Still live and well , Derringer also worked with notable artists such as Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Weird Al, Cyndi Lauper, and Barbra Streisand, and penned hits like ‘Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo’ and ‘Real American,'” he wrote. “Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones,” Tony added. “We were friends at Quintanos High School for Young Professionals in NYC, Rick set me up to have drinks with Jimi Hendrix, after a gig at MSG. R.I.P. Rick Derringer, my friend,” a pal shared. This fan agreed writing, “Totally bummed! Saw him in concert and he signed some items for me. Such a great guitarist and super nice guy!” This story’s featured image is by Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images. The post Iconic Rockstar Rick Derringer Dies At 77: Friends React appeared first on InspireMore.

Ever felt confused or misled when reading Scripture? You’re not alone. In this sobering reminder, we’re warned of common mistakes believers make when interpreting the Bible—from ignoring the original language to ripping verses out of context. Before you build your beliefs, learn how to study God’s Word carefully, prayerfully, and accurately—because truth matters.

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Democratic New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker’s new book “Stand” is set to hit the shelves this November, St. Martin’s Publishing Group announced Wednesday. The book will serve as a follow up to the over-day-long anti-Trump speech Booker gave on the Senate floor from March 31 to April 1, according to AP. “It is time for […]

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