The Observatory of Academic Freedom (OLA) has publicly condemned the recent awarding of an honorary doctorate in Social Sciences to Esteban Lazo Hernández, a member of the Political Bureau and the president of the National Assembly of Cuba. The University of Matanzas granted this academic distinction to Lazo last week, noting that the political leader had graduated years ago with a degree in Economics from the same institution.
OLA expressed concerns regarding the credibility of this recognition, alleging that the Cuban state aims to bestow academic titles upon its leaders to legitimize their positions of power both nationally and internationally. They highlighted that Esteban Lazo primarily has a political background, with an Economics degree that lacks evidence of postgraduate development.
Controversial Academic Recognition
In 2023, the academic community had already voiced their apprehensions about the impending award of the doctorate to Lazo, arguing that the politician did not meet the minimum requirements for such a scientific category, including academic publications or proficiency in foreign languages.
OLA emphasized that an honorary doctorate should be awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in a specific field or have provided distinguished service to the community, according to international standards. However, the University of Matanzas, particularly its Faculty of Social Sciences, lacks the categorization and accreditation necessary to issue such a prestigious academic order.
Out of the five programs offered by the faculty, four hold only the basic category within the University Degree Evaluation and Accreditation System (SEA.CU), and less than 25% of its faculty members hold a doctoral degree.
The Observatory also criticized the reasons provided by Rector Leyda Finalé de la Cruz for conferring the honorary doctorate to Esteban Lazo. In her speech during the ceremony, the arguments lacked scientific weight and could apply to any political leader. Dr. Alina Bárbara López Hernández, an academic and former faculty member of the institution, pointed out that the merits presented to justify the title were trivial and not specific to Lazo's work.
The University of Matanzas has not disclosed the criteria for awarding an honorary doctorate. OLA denounced that while an influential figure of the Cuban regime is celebrated, distinguished researchers like Alina Bárbara López Hernández face harassment. The complaint also urged international academic organizations to speak out against this act, which they argue undermines the credibility of Cuban academia.
Esteban Lazo, on his part, expressed gratitude to the University of Matanzas, Raúl Castro, and the university faculty for his professional training. He also handed the rector one of the notebooks he used during his student years, reminisced about his work in the fields, and his participation in various organizational and agricultural activities.
This event has generated significant controversy, sparking a debate about the integrity and credibility of academic distinctions awarded by Cuban educational institutions.
Questions About Esteban Lazo's Honorary Doctorate
The recent decision to award an honorary doctorate to Esteban Lazo has raised several questions. Here are some answers to the most pressing inquiries:
Why is the Observatory of Academic Freedom critical of Esteban Lazo's honorary doctorate?
OLA criticizes the honorary doctorate awarded to Esteban Lazo, arguing that it lacks credibility and appears to be a tactic by the Cuban state to legitimize its leaders' positions of power. They also point out that Lazo does not meet the typical academic requirements for such a distinction.
What are the usual criteria for awarding an honorary doctorate?
An honorary doctorate is typically awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to a specific field or have provided outstanding service to the community. These criteria often include academic publications, significant achievements, or notable service.
What concerns did the academic community have about awarding the doctorate to Esteban Lazo?
The academic community was concerned that Esteban Lazo did not meet the minimum requirements for an honorary doctorate, such as having academic publications or foreign language proficiency. They believed that his political background did not justify this academic recognition.
What is the credibility issue with the University of Matanzas?
The University of Matanzas, particularly its Faculty of Social Sciences, lacks the necessary categorization and accreditation to issue an honorary doctorate. Most of its programs hold only basic categories within the University Degree Evaluation and Accreditation System (SEA.CU), and a small percentage of its faculty members hold doctoral degrees.