Full Breakdown
University of Michigan Faces Backlash for Honoring Jack Kevorkian
12/18/2025, 1:00:04 AM
Controversial Recognition of a Notorious Figure
The University of Michigan is facing significant criticism for including Jack Kevorkian, a convicted murderer known for his role in assisted suicides, in a feature celebrating notable alumni from its medical school. Kevorkian, who graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1952, gained notoriety for assisting in the deaths of over 130 patients between 1990 and 1998. His actions led to a murder conviction in 1999, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence. The university's "Medicine at Michigan" magazine recently highlighted Kevorkian among 175 distinguished alumni, describing him as an advocate for death who "changed the conversation" on assisted suicide.
Background on Jack Kevorkian
Initially working as a pathologist, Kevorkian began promoting his assisted suicide services in 1987. His first public assisted suicide occurred in 1990, which ultimately led to the revocation of his medical license. Despite his conviction for second-degree murder, Kevorkian's actions have sparked ongoing debates about the ethics of assisted dying. He passed away in 2011, but his legacy remains contentious.
Academic and Public Reactions
The decision to honor Kevorkian has drawn sharp criticism from University of Michigan faculty. English Professor Scott Lyons and medical school Professor Dr. Kristin Collier expressed their disapproval in a joint essay for The Michigan Daily, arguing that Kevorkian's legacy represents the university's worst rather than its best. They likened the decision to honoring other controversial figures, such as Ted Kaczynski, the "Unabomber," suggesting that both individuals' actions should not be celebrated, regardless of changing societal views.
Ethical Concerns Raised
Lyons and Collier emphasized that honoring Kevorkian could imply a tacit endorsement of suicide, which they deemed a "grave moral error." They argued that the core principle of medicine is to "do no harm," asserting that enabling a patient's death contradicts the fundamental purpose of the medical profession. They concluded that there is nothing honorable about a man who facilitated the deaths of vulnerable individuals.
Broader Implications of Kevorkian's Legacy
The article in "Medicine at Michigan" suggested that Kevorkian's actions have contributed to a shift in public perception regarding physician-assisted suicide, which is now legal in ten states and Washington, D.C. A 2024 Gallup poll indicated that 71% of Americans support the legalization of assisted dying under certain conditions. However, critics argue that this acceptance does not justify honoring Kevorkian, whose methods and motivations remain deeply controversial.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They wrote: "Kevorkian is best known for his interest in euthanasia; he advocated ending the lives of vulnerable people by illness and disability and became a symbol of the physician-assisted suicide movement.” — Scott Lyons, English Professor, University of Michigan
- “ They concluded: At its core, medicine has always been grounded in the principle of “do no harm,” which means one does not relieve suffering by eliminating the sufferer.” — Kristin Collier, Professor, University of Michigan Medical School
The University of Michigan's decision to honor Jack Kevorkian continues to provoke debate about the ethical implications of assisted suicide and the responsibilities of medical institutions in shaping public discourse.
