Wesleyan Not Rescinding Bill Cosby's Honorary Degree

Comedian and actor Bill Cosby’s alleged sexual assault charges, combined with court documentation showing he admitted to the acts, have prompted universities to rescind honorary degrees he once held.

Wesleyan University of Middletown honored Cosby with a degree in May 1987, according to the Wesleyan Argus.

Inside Higher Ed reported that last week, three universities rescinded Cosby’s honorary degrees: Fordham University, Marquette University and Brown University.

Christina Paxson, president of Brown University, released a letter on the university website regarding the decision:

“In receiving that degree, Mr. Cosby was specifically honored in the citation for his ’ability to integrate [his] personal character into fictional personae that simulate real life while embracing such cherished American values as honesty, fair play, love of family, and respect for humanity.’ These are values that the Brown community holds dear and to which we consistently aspire to attain and exceed in our individual and collective lives.

It has become clear, by his own admission in legal depositions that became public this summer, that Mr. Cosby has engaged in conduct with women that is contrary to the values of Brown and the qualities for which he was honored by the University in 1985.”

Will Wesleyan Do the Same?

Wesleyan University President Michael Roth reportedly told The Wesleyan Argus in April that the college does not rescind degrees and that would be akin to moving backwards — something they do not do.

He said while he doesn’t feel the policy needs to be changed, the university will look into the offering of honorary degrees in a more judicious fashion.

Would you like to see Bill Cosby’s honorary degree rescinded or do you agree with Wesleyan University’s decision?

• Degrees of Guilt: Cosby Retains Honorary Doctorate From Wesleyan
• Inside Higher Ed: Colleges Consider Revoking Cosby’s Honorary Degrees

Photo by World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, via flickr creative commons