Boston College Rescinds Bill Cosby's Honorary Degree

BOSTON (CBS) - Just one day after Boston College stood firm in allowing comedian Bill Cosby to keep the honorary degree it awarded him, the institution had a change of heart.

In a one-sentence statement, the university said the decision was due to his conviction Thursday on three counts of aggravated indecent assault.

"In light of his conviction, Boston College has made the decision to rescind the honorary degree it awarded to Bill Cosby in 1996," Boston College spokesman Jack Dunn said in a statement.

Bill Cosby at the Montgomery County Courthouse on April 26, 2018 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Boston College students tell WBZ they applaud the school's decision to cut ties with the famed comedian, regardless of the timing or reason.

"I don't think anyone really respects him on this campus," said Boston College senior Crisi Otano. "I think it's a good move to pull it."

"It think it makes a big statement and whether that's coming from backlash or the genuine opinions of the institution, I think it's the right call," said senior Danielle Johnson.

Temple University, Cosby's alma mater where he formerly served as a trustee, also rescinded an honorary degree it gave to Cosby.

The 80-year-old was convicted Thursday of three counts of aggravated indecent assault stemming from a crime that dates back more than a decade.

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