The rector of a German university where academics voted to award NSA leaker Edward Snowden an honorary doctorate is trying to have the decision reversed, arguing that his actions don't fulfill the required criteria.
The University of Rostock's philosophy faculty decided by a large majority last week to award Snowden the title.
But rector Wolfgang Schareck said in a statement today that Snowden's leaking to media of NSA documents doesn't constitute the "special academic achievement" required by law in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for a doctorate to be granted.
Schareck says he filed a formal complaint and asked the philosophy faculty to reverse its decision. If it refuses, the state's education ministry would have to decide whether the title can be awarded.
