sr-f15-05 bill cosby honorary degree revocation act
DESCRIPTION
GW Student Association Senate resolution on Bill CosbyTRANSCRIPT
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SRF1505
SENATE RESOLUTION “A Resolution expressing an objection to the George Washington University’s decision to not
revoke the honorary degree of Mr. Bill Cosby.” SHORT TITLE: The Bill Cosby Honorary Degree Revocation Act SRF1505 Academic Affairs Committee, Student Life Committee SPONSORS: Sen. Erika Feinman (CCASU)
Sen. Thomas Falcigno (CCASU, Chair Pro Tempore) Sen. Charles Spiritos (ESIAU) Sen. Nick Watkins (CCASU)
COSPONSORS: Sen. Evan Bursey (CCASU, Vice Chairman of Student Life Committee)
Sen. Brady Forrest (CCASG) Sen. Melissa Lawrence (CCASU) Sen. Eric Beeler (ESIAU) Sen. Rohan Bhargava (ESIAU) Sen. Priyanka Walimbe (UAtLarge) Sen. Kelsey Lombard (UAtLarge) Sen. Brianna Borghi (Freshman, Student Life)
PURPOSE: To express an objection to the George Washington University’s decision to not revoke the honorary degree of Mr. Bill Cosby and for other purposes. _____________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS Mr. Cosby received an honorary degree from the George Washington University in 1997 when he delivered that year’s commencement address. WHEREAS An honorary degree from the George Washington University is for those who “demonstrate the value of hard work, dignity and integrity.” WHEREAS Recently, more than 40 women have spoken out accusing Mr. Cosby of drugging and raping them. WHEREAS The George Washington University has considered the idea of revoking Mr. Cosby’s honorary degree in recent weeks. WHEREAS The George Washington University announced on October 20th, 2015 that the school would not revoke Mr. Cosby’s degree, stating, “While we are shocked and disturbed by the allegations against Mr. Cosby, honorary degrees are conferred at a moment in time, based on
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what the university knows about the honoree at that time. It has never been the university’s practice to rescind an honorary degree.” WHEREAS On October 26th, 2015, The Hatchet published a staff editorial expressing their disapproval in the George Washington University’s decision, stating, “Cosby no longer demonstrates dignity or integrity, and is no longer worthy of an honorary degree from GW.” WHEREAS Seven universities have rescinded Mr. Cosby’s honorary degrees, including Tufts University, which is one of the George Washington University’s market basket schools. WHEREAS The George Washington University should not be associated with any person who committed such horrific actions and as such, should not hold an honorary degree from the George Washington University. WHEREAS The George Washington University should honor their commitment to support survivors of sexual assault by rescinding Mr. Cosby’s honorary degree. WHEREAS The George Washington University has demonstrated their commitment to survivors of sexual assault through their participation in campaigns such as It’s On Us and through implementing mandatory sexual assault prevention education. WHEREAS Rescinding Mr. Cosby’s honorary degree would show continuous commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault. BE IT RESOLVED That the Student Association Senate formally calls upon the George Washington University to immediately reconsider their decision and revoke the honorary degree given to Mr. Bill Cosby in 1997. BE IT RESOLVED That the Student Association Senate hereby refuses to tolerate sexual assault and recognizes the importance of standing with survivors of sexual assault on our campus and globally.
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Academic Affairs Committee Report: Passed Passed as amended Failed Withdrawn Student Life Committee Report: Passed Passed as amended Failed Withdrawn Senate Vote: Yea Nay Abstain _____________________ Casey Syron, Executive Vice President Date Attest: ___________________________ _____________________ Kevin Burchill, Senate Secretary Date _____________________________________________________________________________
Presidential Submission
_______________ Approve / Veto Andrea Dowd, President Date