UNITED STATES

More than 20 universities rescind Cosby’s degrees

The University of South Carolina will consider rescinding Bill Cosby's honorary degree after the comedian was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault last month, joining another 20 institutions in the United States that have already done so, writes Lucas Daprile for The State.

For some universities, Cosby’s 60 accusers was enough for more than 20 universities to revoke Cosby's honorary degrees before he was convicted, according to Associated Press. Although the number of women who accused Cosby of sexual assault or sexual harassment has totalled 60 since 2016, University of South Carolina spokesman Jeff Stensland said the university was waiting for the court decision before deciding on whether to revoke the honorary doctorate, which was awarded in May 1986.

“This has been an ongoing legal battle in which the criminal case just recently concluded,” Stensland said in an email. “Now that it has, our board is prepared to take up the matter accordingly.” If the board of trustees revokes Cosby's honorary degree at its next meeting on 8 June, it would be the first time in university history it has done that, Stensland said. Last week Yale’s board of trustees rescinded Cosby's honorary degree. It joined the dozens of universities that have rescinded Cosby's honorary degrees since his legal troubles reignited four years ago.
Full report on The State site