Honourary degrees revoked from Bill Cosby

Schmitt added that the mischaracterisation of Mr. Cosby’s testimony was so egregious that one might exclusively conclude that it was written by one both unfamiliar with the testimony or decided intentionally to misrepresent Mr. Cosby’s phrases.

Fordham and Marquette universities have rescinded from Bill Cosby honorary degrees amid allegations from women accusing the comedian of sexual assault.

Earlier, Marquette University in Milwaukee and Fordham University announced that they were withdrawing Cosby’s degrees after votes by their respective boards of trustees. The school said Cosby was unworthy of the honor not just because of the actions he admitted to in a deposition – that he obtained drugs to give to women he wanted to have sex with – but also because Fordham believed he engaged in a “longtime strategy” of verbally attacking his female accusers. The degree was immediately rescinded, the school said.

“In 2001, Fordham University presented comedian and actor Bill Cosby with an honorary doctor of fine arts degree, not least because of the significant role he played in breaking the color barrier in American television and popular culture, and his position as an inspirational figure for millions of African Americans”, the statement explains, noting that “there was no public awareness of the allegations of rape against him” at the time.

“Nothing in his testimony admits to any nonconsensual sexual contact with any woman whatsoever As you know, Mr. Cosby has been convicted of no crime and has steadfastly maintained his innocence”, he continued.

Fordham’s actions are similar to various universities that have cut ties with Cosby.

It can be remembered that Cosby admitted to having extramarital affairs and sexually assaulting women.

“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”, the statement read.

The institutions include Central State University in Ohio, New York University, Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. However, he has not faced any charges and vehemently denied the claims through his lawyer.