Drew University rescinds Cosby's honorary degree

MADISON - Drew University has rescinded an honorary degree given to Bill Cosby.

The university's board of trustees wrote in a statement released Monday  that it voted on Oct. 23 to rescind the degree it gave the comedian in 2002 because of Cosby’s admissions in legal depositions regarding his conduct in response to dozens of allegations that  he had drugged and molested or raped several women over a period of several years.

The full statement from Drew reads as follows:

"Following Bill Cosby’s admission in legal depositions that he engaged in conduct toward women that violates Drew University’s values and standards, the university’s board of trustees recently voted to rescind the honorary degree given to Mr. Cosby in 2002. Mr. Cosby had been notified of the university’s intention to take action via his attorneys but failed to respond."

The honorary degree when he delivered the commencement address in Madison in 2002.

A representative for Drew said no further statements on the matter would be issued.

Cosby never has  been criminally charged and  has denied allegations that he had sex with women incapacitated by drugs he allegedly provided. In a deposition released earlier this year, however, Cosby acknowledged using Quaaludes during consensual sexual encounters.

Several other colleges and universities also have rescinded honorary degrees given to Cosby. According to a New York Times report last month, Cosby had collected at least 57 honorary degrees since 1985. Among the schools that have rescinded those degrees are Fordham, Marquette and Brown universities.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.