Tunisian historic University of Zitouna has been widely praised among Tunisians and across the Middle East for rejecting a request to grant King Salman of Saudi Arabia an honorary degree.
During the week, local media and activists in Tunisia have reported that Zitouna University is facing pressure by the presidency, led by Beji Caid Essebsi, to grant the Saudi King an honorary doctoral degree (Ph.D.) ahead of the King’s visit for the Arab League Summit.
Reactions have been mixed among Tunisians. Yet the mainstream has called on the university to dismiss the request at a time when Saudi Arabia’s record of human rights has been under scrutiny.
According to local activists, the university’s head Dr. Hichem Grissa has confirmed the request was made by the Tunisian presidency days before the Arab League Summit takes place on March 31, 2019. He also refused including the university in political tensions and aims to defend the historic university's integrity.
The university has also announced its rejection giving priorities to the actual students who have been working to receive a degree.
Translation: “The presidency is putting massive pressure on Zitouna University to grant King Salman an honorary degree during the Arab League Summit. The University’s council had strictly dismissed the request.”
The news has been received with massive amounts of praise among Tunisians.
Translation: “A decision made by a respected university that is part of the Tunisians fabric.”
Translation: “Courage and defending [the university’s] literary and academic reputation against extortion.”
The news has also led some people to joke.
Translation: “Saudi Arabia will not try to buy the university! As simple as that!”
Earlier this week, Tunisian activists were angered after noticing billboards across the country with photos of King Salman and welcoming words beside it.
Photos of the billboards were shared on social media raising the probability that Saudi Arabia has paid for it.
Read More: Billboards of King Salman are Causing Trouble in Tunisia
