Backtracking from its previous position, George Washington University rescinded Bill Cosby’s honorary degree on Monday. According to university president Steven Knapp, the sexual assault allegations against the comedian have distressed alumni and student victims of sexual assault.
Despite a previous statement asserting, “It has never been the university’s practice to rescind an honorary degree,” Knapp determined that this was a special case.
“What has particularly moved and impressed me has been the argument that, whatever may ultimately be determined about the guilt or innocence of Mr. Cosby in a court of law, the controversy itself has become a cause of renewed distress for our students and alumni who are survivors of sexual assault,” Knapp said in a letter to the GW community. “That makes this case different, in my considered judgment, from other cases in which the assessment of a degree candidate might be altered by subsequent information or events.”
Cosby, 78, who starred in the hit 1980s television series “The Cosby Show,” has been inundated with numerous charges of sexual assault, and was just accused last month of sexually assaulting former Temple University basketball coach Andrea Constand in 2004.
Cosby and his lawyers have acknowledged marital infidelity on his part, but have denied any allegations of sexual misconduct.
According to USA Today, 23 schools, out of some 60 have rescinded Cosby’s honorary degrees.
Why GW has decided to rescind Cosby’s degree now, after publicly refusing to do so in October, is puzzling. Knapp cited several factors that renewed discussions among students and colleagues including participation in the White House’s “It’s On Us” campaign to prevent sexual assault, and a new Title IX coordinator.
GW posted it’s updated statement on Facebook, where it has received a long thread of comments, ranging from applauding the decision, to condemning it.
Many asked whether GW would also be returning the money Cosby had donated to the school.
“Bestowing an honorary degree is pretty much a matter of opinion,” wrote GW student Laura Zillman, arguing that the university has a right to rescind it.
“Has Cosby been convicted?” another commenter asked. “Please wait for due process.”
