Drexel University has become the latest in a string of institutions to sever ties with Bill Cosby, revoking the embattled comedian’s honorary degree on Thursday over allegations of widespread sexual misconduct.
The Philadelphia school said it was revoking Cosby’s honorary degree in a statement released Thursday.
“The misconduct by Bill Cosby that came to light through his sworn deposition testimony stands in clear opposition to Drexel’s values,” the private research university said in the statement. “As a result, the University has revoked the honorary Drexel degree bestowed upon Mr. Cosby in 1992.”
More than 50 women have come forward to accuse Cosby of sexually assaulting or molesting them in incidents that span decades, some going as far back as the 1960s.
University President John A. Fry said in the statement that colleges “are critical arenas in the movement to recognize and address sexual violence and misconduct as a societal problem.”
“Drexel takes that responsibility very seriously, and the decision to revoke Mr. Cosby’s honorary degree flows from that responsibility,” he added.
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Several other universities have cut ties with Cosby in the wake of the accusations.
In July, Spelman College discontinued its endowed professorship with Cosby, again citing his testimony. That same month it was revealed that Cosby said under oath in a 2005-2006 deposition that he obtained drugs intended to give to women he wanted to have sex with.
And Cosby gave a deposition this October in a California civil suit brought by awoman alleging he sexually assaulted her at the Playboy mansion in the 1970s when she was just 15 years old.
Cosby has never been criminally charged, and the statute of limitations has expired on some of the decades-old accusations. Cosby and his representatives have denied all previous allegations.
Daniella Silva