Fordham, Marquette rescind Bill Cosby’s honorary degrees amid sexual assault allegations

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Fordham and Marquette universities have rescinded from Bill Cosby his honorary degrees amid allegations from women accusing the comedian of sexual assault.

In Milwaukee, Marquette’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution Thursday rescinding an honorary degree presented to Cosby in 2013. The degree was immediately rescinded, the school said.

Fordham’s Board of Trustees also voted to take back an honorary doctor of fine arts degree given to him in 2001.

Both Jesuit schools said it is the first time they have rescinded an honorary degree.

Cosby admitted having extramarital relationships with several women, including some who now accuse him of sexual assault. He has never been charged with a crime.

“As a Jesuit university, Fordham could no longer stand behind the degree it had bestowed upon Mr. Cosby, hence this unprecedented action,” the New York City university said.

Marquette President Michael Lovell and Provost Daniel Myers issued a letter to the university community after the vote that said, “By his own admission, Mr. Cosby engaged in behaviours that go entirely against our university’s mission and the Guiding Values we have worked so hard to instil on our campus.”

Fordham and Marquette are the latest schools to distance themselves from the comedian, joining Central State University, Temple University and Spelman College.