Source: Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards / Getty
After Oprah Winfrey gave a rousing commencement speech at Colorado College, one critic took to social media to say she should have paid off the graduates’ student debt, like billionaire Robert F. Smith did.
Smith also gave a commencement address, in his case at Morehouse College, a private all-male, historically black college. In it, he announced that his family was setting up a grant to pay off the student loans of the entire 2019 graduating class.
Following her speech, Winfrey posted a shot of herself and a Colorado College grad, captioning it with a note that said she shook hands with all 571 grads and gifted them with a copy of her book, The Path Made Clear.
Several celebs took note; Gwyneth Paltrow called her a “hero,” and Cat Cora called her an “inspiration.” However, one commenter was less impressed, saying she should have paid off their debt instead of giving them a book.
Commenters were swift to respond, pointing to her famous philanthropic efforts across the globe, which includes programs to help Morehouse College grads, fund $12 million worth of scholarships for Morehouse students, and founding a school for girls in South Africa.
“Oprah is the GOAT of giving. Shame on anyone who questions the impact she’s had on countless lives. Do your homework!!” one user commented.
