Celebrities

Drexel University rescinds honorary degree for Bill Cosby

FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, file photo, comedian Bill Cosby performs at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, in Melbourne, Fla. On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, both Tufts University in Massachusetts and Goucher College in Maryland rescinded honorary degrees previously awarded to Cosby by the respective institutions. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

FILE – In this Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, file photo, comedian Bill Cosby performs at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, in Melbourne, Fla. On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, both Tufts University in Massachusetts and Goucher College in Maryland rescinded honorary degrees previously awarded to Cosby by the respective institutions. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Drexel University has joined a number of other schools in rescinding an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby amid accusations of sexual assault.

Drexel President John A. Fry says the misconduct that came to light in a deposition given by Cosby “stands in clear opposition” to the Philadelphia school’s values.

He says in his letter Thursday to the Drexel community that universities are “critical arenas” in addressing sexual violence and Drexel takes that responsibility seriously.

Cosby was given the honorary degree in 1992 when he was keynote speaker at Drexel’s convocation, marking the beginning of the school year.

Cosby has never been charged with a crime and has denied allegations that he drugged and sexually assaulted women.

 

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