Quincy Troupe, the poet laureate of California, was recently found to have lied about having a college degree on his resume.

He's been teaching at UCSD for years, and before that, all kinds of prominent schools as well--without even a bachelor's degree.

Once this was found out, he immediately resigned as state poet laureate, and also there is also a movement to have him fired from UCSD. But his supporters say he's done more for poetry and literature for many people than anyone else has in years. He's a tremendous source of inspiration. He's a very talented poet.

I don't think he should be demoted because he doesn't have a piece of paper. I think how he really touches people and truly inspires them to write should be taken into full account...why did he lie about his credentials in the first place? So that he could get into a position to better educate and influence people, to inspire passion about writing. What do you think? Should credentials really take precedent over talent and experience in our society?

update: I made this into a thread in Current Events.