Bill Cosby Becomes First Person Ever To Have UConn Honorary Degree Revoked

More than 50 women have accused the entertainer of sexual misconduct.

Fewer and fewer universities want to have their names attached to Bill Cosby.

The board of trustees at the University of Connecticut unanimously voted on Wednesday to revoke the honorary Fine Arts doctorate the school awarded to Cosby in 1996.

Bill Cosby, right, and University of Connecticut President Harry Hartley wave as they enter Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, Saturday, May 18, 1996, during commencement ceremonies.
Bill Cosby, right, and University of Connecticut President Harry Hartley wave as they enter Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, Saturday, May 18, 1996, during commencement ceremonies.
Steve Miller/Associated Press

“Since the conferring of this honorary degree, Mr. Cosby had admitted, in sworn depositions that he engaged in conduct that in incongruent with the values of the University of Connecticut," UConn Provost Mun Y. Choi said in a statement to the board.

This is the first time UConn has ever revoked an honorary degree, The Hartford Courant notes.

A representative for Cosby could not immediately be reached for comment.

More than 50 women have accused Cosby, 78, of sexual misconduct over the past four decades -- including drugging and raping or molesting them. Some of the women were newcomers to the entertainment world when Cosby was a superstar, while others were protegés who considered him a trusted friend.

Choi stated in his memo that the university "respects the principles of due process and Mr. Cosby’s right to a fair trial on the criminal charges against him,” but acknowledged that conduct Cosby has already admitted to in sworn testimony was reason enough to consider revoking his degree.

Choi added it was the responsibility of UConn and all universities to "support and care for victims of sexual assault."

Cosby has received nearly 60 honorary degrees from colleges and universities, including esteemed schools like Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University and the Berklee College of Music.

Brown University, George Washington University and Fordham University are among those that have rescinded their honorary degrees to Cosby. Boston University was the most recent school to award him an honorary degree, in 2014, but has since revoked it.

Cosby is set to stand trial in Pennsylvania for allegedly drugging and molesting a woman in his home in 2004. He goes to arraignment in July.

Before You Go

Andrea Constand

The Women Who Have Accused Bill Cosby Of Sexual Assault

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