Temple University Rescinds Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degree

After his conviction of on three counts of sexual assault on Thursday, Temple University is taking away Bill Cosby’s honorary degree. Cosby was a graduate of Temple and was on the board of trustees until 2014 which was when the accusations of the assaults began to gain traction. Cosby met one of his victims during his time at Temple, Andrea Constand who worked for the women’s basketball team. In 2004, Cosby drugged and assaulted Constand at his home near Philadelphia. Constand was the only victim to bring formal criminal charges against Cosby.

A statement from Temple said, “In 1991, based on his career achievements, Temple awarded an honorary degree to William Cosby. Yesterday, Dr. Cosby was found guilty by a jury of the felony of aggravated sexual assault. Today the Temple University Board of Trustees has accepted the recommendation of the University to rescind the honorary degree.”

Other universities including John Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Notre Dame and Wesleyan University have also rescinded honorary degrees given to Cosby after the guilty verdict. Furthermore, prior to the verdict, Ohio State, Brown, Baylor, University of San Francisco, Boston University, and others already revoked their honorary degrees given to Cosby as well.

A statement regarding Bill Cosby’s honorary degree: https://t.co/MAS0qJbVo7

— Temple University (@TempleUniv) April 27, 2018