George Washington University is rescinding Bill Cosby’s honorary doctorate amid allegations of sexual assault against the embattled comedian, its president said Monday.
The Washington, D.C. college cited the “renewed distress” the ongoing saga has had on alumni and students who are survivors of sexual assault in its decision to pull the degree. “That makes this case different,” President Steven Knapp said in a statement. “I have therefore decided that the university will rescind Mr. Cosby’s honorary degree.”
Cosby, 78, was charged in Pennsylvania last month with aggravated indecent assault for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Costand in 2004. Costand is one of more than 50 women who have come forward to accuse the comedian of assault over several decades.
More than a dozen universities, TV networks and other institutions have already cut ties with the comedian, including Spelman College, New York University and TV Land. President Obama also plans to “take a look” at revoking Cosby’s Presidential Medal of Freedom if Congress allows him to, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said late last week.
- Donald Trump Was Just Indicted. Here's What to Know About the Charges and the Case
- What Could Happen Next for Donald Trump
- Trump's Indictment Drama Showcased His Rivals' Weakness
- Inside Ukraine's Push to Try Putin For War Crimes
- Bad Bunny's Next Move
- Elon Musk Signs Open Letter Urging AI Labs to Pump the Brakes
- Eliezer Yudkowsky: Pausing AI Developments Isn't Enough. We Need to Shut it All Down
- 'How Is This Still Happening?' A Survivor Questions America's Gun Violence Problem
- Cheryl Strayed Will Always Be Here for You
- Who Should Be on the 2023 TIME100? Vote Now
