URegina rescinds honorary doctor of laws degree held by Turpel-Lafond

The University of Regina has issued a release announcing that it has rescinded Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s honorary doctor of laws degree. URegina reviewed the honorary degree and made the decision to rescind the degree in accordance with University of Regina Senate bylaws and procedures. “While the University recognizes that Turpel-Lafond has been a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and child welfare, her accomplishments are outweighed by the harm inflicted upon Indigenous academics, peoples and communities when non-Indigenous people misrepresent their Indigenous ancestry,” read the release. Turpel-Lafond has been provided with a notification of the decision. The announcement comes just days after Turpel-Lafond voluntarily relinquished her honorary doctorate from Royal Roads University.