Kalamazoo College Students Demand Harvard University Award Mary Whiton Calkins Her Ph. D.

KALAMAZOO, MI--Four Kalamazoo College students are demanding that Harvard University posthumously award Mary Whiton Calkins her Ph. D. In 1894 and 1895, Harvard authorities denied Ms. Calkins, known as the “mother of psychology,” the Ph. D. she rightly earned and deserved. Despite receiving high recommendations from her professors and completing all requirements (including the dissertation with the founder of psychology, William James), Harvard denied Ms. Calkins her Ph. D. based solely on her sex.

Such blatant acts of discrimination and suppression are unacceptable. Denying women the right to education and other such discriminatory actions have been widely used to silence the voices and influence of women throughout history. Maintaining the status quo is unacceptable, and so this issue must be brought to light.

Media influence to enact social change is unprecedented. Only through media coverage of this topic will Mary Whiton Calkins receive her Ph. D., perhaps precipitating a national debate surrounding women’s issues. It is imperative that Harvard, a world renowned university, meet the responsibilities of higher education and scholarship, and affirm the ideals of social justice, equality, and leadership.  In her letter to Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers, Meghan Keeler states, “Harvard University has failed to justly acknowledge the achievements undertaken and completed by Calkins during her time there.” Only by rectifying this past error can Harvard recognize its own history, influence, and actions on our future leaders, as well as our community and world.

As a project in Dr. Karyn Boatwright's Feminist Psychology of Women class, the four Kalamazoo College students – Timothy Pruzinsky, Meghan Keeler, Kelly Koss, and Tracy Van Tuyl – are waging a national effort to bring media attention to their demand for Mary Whiton Calkins to receive her degree.