Boston University Revokes Bill Cosby's Honorary Degree
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- Boston University is the latest college to take away an honorary degree from comedian Bill Cosby, making the announcement on Monday.
In recent years, dozens of women have come forward to say they were sexually assaulted by Cosby, who has denied the allegations.
Cosby was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from B.U. in May 2014.
"The Board's decision was based on a determination, supported by Mr. Cosby's sworn deposition testimony, that his treatment of women has brought significant and lasting discredit upon himself and is inconsistent with the University's mission and values," B.U. said in a statement. "Mr. Cosby's admitted conduct, which the University learned about only after awarding him the degree, demonstrates that his character fails to reflect the integrity and virtues that the University values and esteems in members of its community, and in those persons the University holds up for this particular honor."
Tufts University and Brown University revoked degrees from Cosby earlier this year.
On Monday, Cosby also fired back at seven women who are suing him for defamation, accusing them of making false accusations of sexual misconduct for financial gain.
Cosby filed counterclaims in federal court, alleging the women made "malicious, opportunistic, and false and defamatory accusations" of sexual misconduct against him. Cosby is seeking unspecified monetary damages.
The women claim Cosby defamed them by allowing his representatives to brand them as liars after they went public with allegations of rape and other sexual misconduct dating back decades.
In his counterclaim, Cosby says the women have "engaged in a campaign to assassinate" his reputation and character. He says their campaign is "nothing more than an opportunistic attempt to extract financial gain from him."
The women suing Cosby in Massachusetts are among approximately 50 who have accused the comedian of rape or unwanted sexual contact.
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