Baylor University acted Oct. 8 to rescind an honorary doctorate the school awarded to accused serial rapist Bill Cosby in 2003.

The 78-year-old comedian, facing legal challenges from more than 50 women who accuse him ofdrugging and sexually assaulting them in alleged encounters dating back to the mid-1960s, received the honorary doctor of humane letters degree during a benefit to lift spirits of the Baylor community after a tough summer that began with the murder of basketball player Patrick Dennehy at the hands of teammate Carlton Dotson and unfolded into revelations of irregularities in the athletics program that led to punishment for numerous NCAA violations.

“Baylor University is working to confront the scourge of interpersonal and sexual violence wherever it occurs,” Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president for media communications, said in a written statement. “As a result, Baylor’s Board of Regents has voted to rescind an honorary doctor of humane letters awarded to Mr. Bill Cosby in 2003.”

The decision comes on the heels of the August conviction of a Baylor football player, defensive end Sam Ukwauchu, for sexual assault in a case from October 2013 involving a former Baylor soccer player. The university recently hired a Philadelphia law firm to conduct an independent external investigation into the university’s handling of the incident.

“Because acts of interpersonal and sexual violence contradict our very mission and values, Baylor University is investing significantly to ensure the safety of our campus,” Fogelman said. “Through the efforts of our Title IX Office, we are encouraging victims to report acts of interpersonal and sexual violence, and making sure those suffering from the effects of such acts are provided the necessary support and services to feel safe and be academically successful. It is against this backdrop that Baylor’s Board of Regents has decided to take this action.”

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SOURCE: Baptist News Global
Bob Allen