Poetic Justice

Re “State Poet Overstated His Case,” Oct. 19: The recent resignation of the sublime poet Quincy Troupe begs the question: Why does society put so much emphasis on college degrees? I am tired of fly-by-night college programs. The proliferation of programs on commuter campuses are for job promotions, the quality uneven.

It’s sad that Troupe felt compelled to claim on paper he’d graduated from Grambling University. He’s a poet, a distinction attained by few. Let this be enough for him; his work stands above the paltry piece of paper that says “baccalaureate.” And when anyone asks if he has his degrees, all he needs to say, with pride, is “no,” then point to his body of work.

Kanani Fong

Fullerton