Yale revokes Bill Cosby's honorary degree, the first time university has pulled degree in history

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Bill Cosby was granted an honorary degree from Yale University in 2003 for his “contributions to society.” (BOB CHILD/AP)

For the first time in its 300-year history, Yale University has pulled an honorary degree: the one given to Bill Cosby in 2003 for his "contributions to society."

"The decision is based on a court record providing clear and convincing evidence of conduct that violates fundamental standards of decency shared by all members of the Yale community, conduct that was unknown to the board at the time the degree was awarded," the school said in a statement Tuesday.

"The board took this decision following Mr. Cosby's criminal conviction after he was afforded due process. Yale is committed to both the elimination of sexual misconduct and the adherence to due process. We reaffirm that commitment with our action today."

Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial

Cosby was convicted last week on three felony counts of drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University staffer Andrea Constand in 2004. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The 80-year-old comedian, who has received more than 60 honorary degrees, has seen similar revocations by Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon and Temple University, where Cosby served on the Board of Trustees for 32 years until resigning in 2014.