Recently, President Joe Biden found himself at the center of a debate regarding his tenure at the University of Pennsylvania and his claim of teaching ‘political theory.’ During a speech at the Prince George Community College in Maryland, President Biden stated, “Our democracy is under attack and we gotta fight for it. I taught at the University of Pennsylvania for four years and I used to teach political theory.” However, a closer examination of the facts reveals a different story.
The Honorary Title:
It’s true that Joe Biden was listed as an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious institution. He held the title of Benjamin Franklin Presidential Professor of the Practice from 2017 to 2019. This title was certainly an honor, and it was likely bestowed upon him in recognition of his distinguished career in politics. However, it’s essential to clarify the nature of this role and whether Biden actually taught any classes during his time at Penn.
The Missing Classes:
Despite his honorary title, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Joe Biden taught any classes at the University of Pennsylvania, let alone ‘political theory.’ Fact-checkers have delved into this matter repeatedly and have consistently found no record of President Biden conducting any instructional sessions during his time at Penn. This lack of teaching experience has been a subject of scrutiny.
Setting the Record Straight:
While it’s not uncommon for distinguished individuals to hold honorary positions at universities, it’s crucial to differentiate between such titles and actual teaching roles. Joe Biden’s association with the University of Pennsylvania was undoubtedly an acknowledgment of his achievements, but it’s important to be accurate when discussing his contributions to the field of education.
Conclusion:
In the realm of politics, facts and accuracy are paramount. When it comes to Joe Biden’s connection to the University of Pennsylvania and his claim of teaching ‘political theory,’ the evidence suggests that he held an honorary title but did not engage in teaching any classes. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the distinction between honorary roles and active teaching positions to avoid misunderstandings and misrepresentations.
