A viral social media post has circulated with the assertion that the University of Delaware has confirmed Jill Biden did not complete her doctoral studies and has requested she cease using the title “Dr. Biden.” This claim has gained traction amid ongoing discussions about the backgrounds and qualifications of public figures.
The social media post specifically stated: “The University of Delaware has officially confirmed that Jill Biden never completed her doctoral studies. They’ve repeatedly asked her to stop referring to herself as ‘Dr. Biden’ because she never finished the work.” The post further alleged that she had never completed her thesis, suggesting her doctorate was unearned and that she used the title to add “fake credibility.”
However, this assertion is inaccurate. The University of Delaware has not requested Jill Biden to stop using her title. The university recognizes her Doctor of Education degree, which she obtained in 2007 from its College of Education and Human Development.
The discussion regarding her use of the title “Dr.” was previously amplified in December 2020 by a Wall Street Journal op-ed from Joseph Epstein, who argued against her use of the title as she is not a medical doctor. This perspective was met with significant backlash, with many viewing it as dismissive of academic doctorates and exhibiting sexist undertones.
Jill Biden successfully completed all academic requirements for her Ed.D., including her dissertation on community college student retention. The University of Delaware continues to acknowledge her as an alumna with a doctoral degree, and there is no evidence to suggest the university has ever questioned her credentials or requested she forgo the use of her title. The recent viral claim revisits criticism from 2020 without providing any current statements, documentation, or evidence from the university to substantiate its allegations.
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