With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Groups Consider Renaming 'Helen Thomas' Awards

The fallout over longtime White House correspondent Helen Thomas' comments about Jews and Israel has led at least two organizations to reconsider whether their prestigious awards should bear her name.

Thomas' alma mater, Wayne State University, has already made its decision. The school announced Wednesday that it will keep the Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity in the Media award, despite what it described as her "wholly inappropriate comments."

But the Society of Professional Journalists has not decided what to do with its Helen Thomas Award for Lifetime Achievement. President Kevin Smith said board members will likely consider whether to strip her name at their July meeting.

He said it would not be an easy decision....
Read entire article at Fox News