Perspectives: WSJ Op-Ed Sparks Controversy Around Jill Biden's Doctorate

The Wall Street Journal published an opinion article on Dec. 11 calling for Dr. Jill Biden, wife of President-elect Joe Biden, to drop the “Dr.” title from her name because she is not a medical doctor. Dr. Jill Biden holds two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education from the University of Delaware. The article, which refers to Biden as “kiddo,” sparked politically polarized controversy that continued over the following week. WSJ Editorial Board Editor Paul Gigot responded to criticism of the article, writing, “these pages aren’t going to stop publishing provocative essays merely because they offend the new administration or the political censors in the media and academe.” The same day, Biden tweeted, “Together, we will build a world where the accomplishments of our daughters will be celebrated, rather than diminished.” Voices in right-rated outlets criticized Biden’s title and education, including her dissertation. Voices in left- and center- rated outlets tended to support Biden and describe criticisms of Biden’s title as “misogynistic.”