Why did 19 philosophers protest the proposed honorary doctorate for Jacques Derrida?

In 1992, the University of Cambridge proposed awarding an honorary doctorate to the French philosopher Jacques Derrida. This proposal sparked significant controversy, leading 19 philosophers from around the world to publish a letter of protest against the decision.1

The protesting philosophers argued that Derrida’s writing was incomprehensible and contended that his major philosophical claims were either trivial or false. This opposition reflected a broader skepticism among some critics, particularly within the Anglo-American philosophical tradition, who characterized Derrida’s work as antirational and nihilistic. Despite this protest, the university held a vote among its dons, and the honorary degree was ultimately awarded to Derrida.1