George Washington University to Rescind Cosby's Honorary Degree

George Washington University will rescind an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby in 1997, citing concern about survivors of sexual assault.

Monday's announcement marks a reversal for GW. Last fall, the university said that honorary degrees were conferred at a moment in time and that it never took them back based on information that came to light later.

But on Monday, GW president Steven Knapp said in a statement that the controversy over the degree "has become a cause of renewed distress for our students and alumni who are survivors of sexual assault."

Cosby has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his Pennsylvania home in 2004. Dozens of other women have accused the comedian of sexual assault or attempted molestation, and he faces several lawsuits.