Cosby’s honorary degree at WCU in limbo
University officials consider rescinding Cosby’s degree, which would be a first in WCU’s history
WEST CHESTER » In the wake of the jury’s verdict in the sexual assault trial of comedian, actor, and educator Bill Cosby in Montgomery County, West Chester University has begun the process of deciding whether to rescind the honorary degree it awarded him some years ago, before the criminal allegations were made.
In a statement released on Friday, a day following the jury’s verdict finding Cosby guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault, WCU President Christopher Fiorentino sent a letter to members of the university community announcing the decision.
“West Chester University’s expectation is clear that all individuals associated with WCU must respect the dignity of others and maintain civility at all times,” the letter read. “Our values guide our actions as socially responsible citizens.
“Yesterday’s conviction of Mr. Bill Cosby on felony aggravated indecent assault charges by a jury of his peers prompts us to initiate the process set forth in our Policy on the Rescission of Honorary Degrees with respect to the honorary degree that was awarded to him in 2003,” Fiorentino stated. “We do not take this decision lightly. An honorary degree has never been revoked in the history of West Chester University; we believe the outcome of yesterday’s trial merits our response.”
“Our core values require that we stand together in sending the clear message that sexual violence and misconduct will not be tolerated in any form,” the letter read. “All of us must stand together.”
The honorary degree was for public service.
According to the university’s policy, any employee of the school can request that an honorary degree be rescinded. A school spokeswoman identified John Villella, the vice president of university affairs, as the person who had requested the recision.
On Monday, Villella said he decided to file the complaint about the degree after the verdict was reached.
“When I looked at what he was convicted of, it really is not in line with the values we have at West Chester University,” he said in an interview. After hearing from others at the university, he determined to make the recommendation.
“We want to make it clear that the kind of sexual misconduct or sexual violence (that Cosby was found guilty of) won’t be tolerated” at WCU.
The next step is for the school’s honorary degree committee to review the reasons for the request and the degree holder’s actions, and then forward a recommendation to the president, who would then make further recommendation to the school’s Council of Trustees. The policy states that such action should be “rare, and based on substantial transgressions which dishonor the university and its mission and values.”
Should Fiorentino decide to recommend that Cosby’s degree be rescinded, he must notify the chancellor of the State System of Higher Education and give at least 30 days before the trustees vote is taken. The trustees have 11 members, including one student trustee, six of whom live in Chester County. The current president is Thomas A. Fillippo, president of Devault Foods in Charlestown. He could not be reached for comment.
Last week, Temple University, where Cosby long served as a leading public face and key fundraiser, said it will rescind the honorary doctorate it awarded to the comedian in 1991 because he was convicted of sexually assaulting a former employee.