Media: Education Minister lied about his own UCPH degree

According to the Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet and the research website ForskerForum, Minister of Education and Research Esben Lunde Larsen got most of his education at Dansk Bibel-Institut (DBI), a private religious institution that isn’t recognised as a place of formal education by the Danish system.

Allegedly, according to both sites, Esben Lunde Larsen ‘white-washed’ these courses via the Norwegian school of theology, Misjonshøgskolen (MHS), where he was enrolled from 2001 to 2006. The Norwegian school is formally recognised, so the Minister had his merits transferred to the University of Copenhagen.

DBI classes ‘voluntary’

“His studies were a part of a working relationship between DBI and MHS.” said Rector of the MHS, Bård Mæland to Ekstra Bladet. According to him, DBI provided classes in Copenhagen on behalf of MHS, meaning a central part of Esben Lunde Larsen’s education did take place at the DBI.

The Ministry of Education denies the allegations and has told Ekstra Bladet that the classes at DBI were ‘voluntary’ and not a part of Esben Lunde Larsen’s formal education. The Ministry also provided a timeline, showing that Esben Lunde Larsen took courses on exchange at the University of Copenhagen five times between 2002 and 2008.

Altered CV

“Bottom line is that I’ve been enrolled at Misjonshøgskolen in Stavanger, and that I’ve taken extra courses at the University of Copenhagen. Then I transferred to the University of Copenhagen and finished my studies there. I’ve also taken additional courses (at the DBI, ed.). I’ve nothing to hide.” said Esben Lunde Larsen to Ekstra Bladet.

Until earlier today, Esben Lunde Larsen, the Danish Minister of Education’s online CV stated: Master of Theology, University of Copenhagen, 2001 – 2008. Since then he has amended it to say: Master of Theology, University of Copenhagen, 2008.

universitypost@adm.ku.dk

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