Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, became the target of criticism on social media after receiving an honorary doctorate from Hillsdale College, a Christian university in the state of Michigan.
According to the website Indy100, many internet users accused Kirk of hypocrisy for accepting the academic honor after years of attacks by the American conservative movement against universities, higher education and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
She received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, while Charlie Kirk was honored posthumously. On social media, critics began comparing Kirk’s honorary degree to the very DEI policies frequently criticized by the American right.
“Hillsdale College — one of America’s loudest opponents of DEI — just gave a woman an honorary doctorate and a commencement speech opportunity because of who her husband is. That’s the definition of DEI. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for me. Not for thee,” one X user analyzed.
“Anti-DEI advocate Erika Kirk accepts the honorary doctorate she did not earn,” another argued. “Marry young like Erika Kirk. Then you too can have a fake degree you didn’t earn because of the fame and notoriety your late husband gained!” a third internet user mocked.
Part of the backlash also stemmed from past statements by Charlie Kirk criticizing American universities. The founder of Turning Point USA had described higher education as a “scam” on several occasions.
Hillsdale College — one of America’s loudest opponents of DEI — just gave a woman an honorary doctorate and commencement speech opportunity because of who her husband is.
That’s the definition of DEI. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for me. Not for thee. pic.twitter.com/u9WgP6BXtf — Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) May 10, 2026
Photo and video: Creative Commons / X @allenanalysis. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
