Two Universities rescind honorary degrees from veteran comedian

fuad lawal

September 25, 2015 10:04 AM

Fordham and Marquette universities on Thursday rescinded honorary degrees from Bill Cosby amid allegations from women accusing the comedian of sexual assault.

Marquette’s board of trustees approved a resolution rescinding an honorary degree presented to Cosby in 2013. The degree was immediately rescinded, the school said.

Also, Fordham’s board of trustees voted to take back an honorary doctor of fine arts degree given to him in 2001.

Both Jesuit schools said it was the first time they had rescinded an honorary degree.

Cosby admitted having extramarital relationships with several women, including some who now accuse him of sexual assault. He has never been charged with a crime and has consistently denied the allegations.

Fordham University, in New York City, said: “As a Jesuit university, Fordham could no longer stand behind the degree it had bestowed upon Mr Cosby, hence this unprecedented action.”

Marquette president Michael Lovell and provost Daniel Myers issued a letter to the university community after the vote that said, “By his own admission, Mr Cosby engaged in behaviors that go entirely against our university’s mission and the guiding values we have worked so hard to instill on our campus.”

Fordham and Marquette are the latest schools to distance themselves from the comedian, joining Central State University, Temple University and Spelman College.

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fuad lawal