A former admiral from the Biden administration, who is biologically male, recently delivered an opening address and received an honorary degree from Smith College, according to documents from the school.
Rachel Levine, previously a health aide with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, spoke to the class of 2025 at the women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts, as noted in the commencement program.
Levine was among four individuals selected to speak at the opening ceremony, as announced by the school earlier in February.
Smith College granted Levine an honorary degree during the ceremony, and he subsequently gave the commencement address. This event was described on social media as significant for feminism.
The commencement program highlighted Levine’s credentials as a doctor and public health advocate, focusing on mental and physical health, especially for children and young adults.
The selection of Levine sparked protests from various groups on May 17th and 18th, as reported by Women’s International USA, Inc. These protests involved multiple organizations, including Democrats on an Informed Approach to Gender and New England Solidarity.
Protesters expressed their views, with some holding banners that conveyed their message about women’s rights and the significance of biological women.
According to WDI USA, the protesting group mainly consisted of alumni and local residents who gathered in opposition to the college’s decision.
One protester mentioned chatting with an alumni during their demonstration, indicating a mix of support and outrage observed among passersby.
The speech by Levine drew criticism, especially from conservative circles. In a response to media inquiries, a spokesman from the Leadership Institute conveyed a message that echoed concerns about men infringing on women’s rights and spaces.
The Leadership Institute noted that Smith College seemed to prioritize ideology over fairness in its decision-making.
Attempts to get a comment from Smith College were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
