New Jersey University Rescinds Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degree

Drew University in New Jersey has rescinded an honorary degree given to Bill Cosby.

The university said in a statement Monday that its board rescinded the degree because of Cosby’s admissions in sworn testimony that he engaged in conduct toward women that violates the school’s values and standards.

Cosby has never been criminally charged and denied allegations he had sex with women incapacitated by drugs he allegedly provided. In out-of-court testimony released earlier this year, however, Cosby acknowledged using quaaludes during consensual sexual encounters.

Drew gave Cosby the degree in 2002. The board voted to rescind it on Oct. 23, but didn’t release that information until Monday after a reporter from NJ.com asked.

Photo: AP Photo / Brennan Linsley
Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, Denver, Colo.

Several other schools across the country also have rescinded honorary degrees given to Cosby.