SuppliedScottish rapper Darren McGarvey is renouncing his honorary degree from Abertay University following a row over its decision to host Justice for Innocent Men Scotland.
The author, also known by his rap name Loki, was among the recipients in recognition of achievements in the fields of politics, arts, science and humanities in 2023.
On Tuesday, he announced he was handing back the degree and criticised Abertay for inviting Justice for Innocent Men Scotland (JIMS) to speak to fourth-year criminology students.
JIMS describes itself as being dedicated to supporting men in Scotland who have been falsely accused of sexual offences and campaigns for “justice, transparency, and much-needed reform in the legal system”.
However, McGarvey says he believes the organisation goes beyond advocating for people who had been wrongly accused and accused it of using the issue to promote “reactionary ideas”.
‘Abertay must apologise unreservedly’
In a statement on Wednesday, McGarvey said the university’s decision to host the group was “at odds with the values for which it had previously honoured him”.
He raised concerns about the group inciting controversial views in a lecture theatre “without challenge”.
“JIMS was invited to address fourth-year criminology students as part of a module examining criminal justice and fair-trial rights,” he wrote.
“While we must trust students to distinguish valid argument from reactionary recruitment, and maintain that controversial ideas have a legitimate place in academic study, there is a world of difference between critically examining such ideas and inviting their proponents into a lecture theatre to present them unchallenged.
“What, precisely, does JIMS have to offer criminology students that could not be provided by another organisation, without the same concerns surrounding its conduct and public rhetoric?
“I cannot, in good conscience, continue my association with a university whose judgement on this matter I find so at odds with the values for which it once chose to honour me.
“I therefore give formal notice of my intention to renounce the honorary Doctor of Letters awarded to me by Abertay University in 2023, though I remain open to direct discussion and resolution to the matters outlined.”
STV NewsIn his statement, McGarvey referred to the recent conviction of comedian Russell Brand, who was jailed for ten and a half years after being convicted of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three television and radio workers during his rise to international fame.
The comedian was convicted following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
McGarvey revealed he had appeared on Brand’s Under the Skin podcast in 2019, saying he had been unaware at the time of the rumours circulating about his behaviour.
He said he had followed the trial closely and felt “somehow implicated in the cult of celebrity” which he believed had blinded people to Brand’s actions.
In his statement, McGarvey added: “It’s in this context that the work of Justice for Innocent Men Scotland must be viewed, and that Abertay’s decision to provide them with a platform, for the second time in 12 months – one day after Brand’s conviction – appears all the more provocative.”
McGarvey, who said he had accepted the honorary degree with “genuine gratitude and humility”, has now called on the university to apologise.
“Abertay must acknowledge the seriousness of its error, apologise unreservedly to those affected, and commit to ensuring that future invitations are subject to appropriate scrutiny,” the statement added.
“This is not about censorship. It is about weighing the various interests at stake and exercising sound judgement on a case-by-case basis. There is a time for free speech and the robust exchange of ideas, but also a time for drawing a line and making clear where we stand.
“I accepted this honour with genuine gratitude and humility. I am not cut out to be a real academic, and I have enormous respect for those who earn such titles through years of hard work and a commitment to upholding rigorous intellectual standards. Still, as someone who never had the opportunity to attend university as a young person, it meant a great deal to be recognised by academics at Abertay for my contributions to social justice.
“It is therefore with deep regret that I now feel compelled to return an accolade that brought me so much personal pride.”
It comes just days after sexual assault survivor Ellie Wilson also criticised the university for inviting the group to speak to students.
Ms Wilson, who said she has previously been targeted by JIMS, thanked McGarvey for “taking a stand”.
“This is what real allyship looks like,” she wrote. “This group has branded me a ‘sk*nk’, a ‘false accuser’, and ‘disgusting’.”
Ms Wilson said the group also celebrated her rapist’s release from prison and bombarded her with messages online.
She said: “The abuse has been horrific. Thank you for taking a stand.”
Abertay University and JIMs have been contacted for comment.
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