For the first time in its 300-year history, Yale University is stripping Bill Cosby of the honorary degree it gave him in 2003, The Associated Press reports.
Temple, Johns Hopkins University and Carnegie Mellon University have also rescinded honorary degrees.
“The decision is based on a court record providing clear and convincing evidence of conduct that violates fundamental standards of decency shared by all members of the Yale community, conduct that was unknown to the board at the time the degree was awarded,” a statement from the school read, according to CNN.
Bill Cosby arrives at court with spokesperson Andrew Wyatton on the first day of jury deliberations as he is retried on charges of Sexual Assault on April 23 2018 at the Montgomery County Courthouse (Picture by: Splash News)
“The board took this decision following Mr. Cosby’s criminal conviction after he was afforded due process. Yale is committed to both the elimination of sexual misconduct and the adherence to due process. We reaffirm that commitment with our action today,” it added.
Last week, the man known as “America’s Dad” was found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting a former Temple University employee at this home in Philadelphia in 2004.
The guilty verdict of three counts of aggravated indecent assault each carries 10 years behind bars. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled. By law, Judge Steven O’Neill must carry out the sentence within 100 days of the conviction.