Northwestern withdraws honorary degree to Wright

Northwestern University has withdrawn a previously offered honorary degree to Barack Obama's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.

Alan Cubbage is Northwestern's vice president for university relations, and he says the school had offered Wright an honorary Doctorate of Sacred Theology.

However, Cubbage now says the offer has been rescinded because of the controversy surrounding Wright and "to ensure that the celebratory character of commencement not be affected."

Wright is the former senior minister at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, and his outspoken criticisms of the United States have drawn criticism to Obama's candidacy.

A phone call to Wright's home seeking comment wasn't answered, and the voice mail was full.

Northwestern's commencement is set for June 20.