University Rescinds Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degree Determination based on actor’s sworn testimony

Bill Cosby at the 2014 Commencement ceremony. Photo by Mike Spencer

After careful consideration, the Boston University Board of Trustees voted last Thursday to revoke the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters conferred on Bill Cosby at the 141st Commencement ceremony in May 2014.

A statement sent by President Robert A. Brown to the BU community on Monday said the board’s decision “was based on a determination, supported by Mr. Cosby’s sworn deposition testimony, that his treatment of women has brought significant and lasting discredit upon himself and is inconsistent with the University’s mission and values. Mr. Cosby’s admitted conduct, which the University learned about only after awarding him the degree, demonstrates that his character fails to reflect the integrity and virtues that the University values and esteems in members of its community, and in those persons the University holds up for this particular honor.”

The full statement may be found here.