Erika Kirk has quickly become a prominent figure in U.S. conservative politics after the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk. Recently, she made headlines again when she accepted honorary doctorate degrees from Hillsdale College — one for herself and one in memory of her late husband.
Erika Kirk’s Honorary Doctorate and Speech
At 37, Erika Kirk, now the CEO of Turning Point USA, wore the traditional cap and gown for the ceremony. She also delivered a commencement speech, marking the special occasion.
However, her acceptance of the honorary degree sparked a heated debate online. Many criticised the move, calling it hypocritical because Charlie Kirk had long expressed his disdain for modern higher education.
Charlie Kirk’s Views on College
Charlie Kirk, who was also a podcaster and author, openly criticised colleges. He called them “useless” and a “scam,” and in his book The College Scam: How America’s Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America’s Youth, he argued that many degrees offer little real value.
He also joked that women should not pursue degrees beyond a so-called “Mrs. degree,” reflecting his belief that higher education could distract women from traditional roles. At Turning Point USA events, he repeatedly said that college students are “filled with really bad ideas” and questioned whether the time, money, and ideas endured in college were worth it.
Social Media Reacts to Erika Kirk
As expected, social media users were quick to react. Many called Erika’s honorary degree “hypocritical” and questioned its legitimacy. Some of the comments included:
- “What a piece of work. A PhD in grifting.”
- “Doctorate?! In what?! I am full of rage.”
- “Absolutely disgusting.”
- “A slap in the face to everyone who actually earned it.”
- “Means nothing. No one will respect it.”
- “I’m so confused. Do they like college degrees or not?”
- “Her husband told women to stop going to school and get in the kitchen, but it’s fine if it’s her? Hypocrisy.”
Many users highlighted the irony of Erika receiving a prestigious degree while her late husband criticised higher education and discouraged women from pursuing college.
