BOSTON —  University of Massachusetts President Jack Wilson has recommended that the Board of Trustees revoke an honorary degree awarded two decades ago to Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

Wilson said Monday that the degree has been smeared by years of misrule in the southern Africa nation.

His statement came after The Boston Globe reported a key state lawmaker said continuing to honor Mugabe runs contrary to the values the university stands for.

Mugabe received an honorary doctorate of law in 1986, after he was hailed for ending an oppressive white rule and establishing an independent Zimbabwe.

He has since been condemned for attacks on dissidents, ruining the economy and accused of running a corrupt government.

The trustees are to act on the recommendation at their June meeting. The school has never rescinded an honorary degree.