Bill Cosby's Honorary Degrees and His Academic Pursuits

Bill Cosby's journey as a celebrated actor, comedian, and role model was marked with a series of honorary doctorates awarded to him. Over the years, he requested these degrees for his graduation speeches at prestigious institutions like Yale and Johns Hopkins. However, his removal from the academic arena came after he was revealed to be a rapist, a revelation that shocked the world. This article delves into the complexities of his academic background and the reasons behind the rescissions of his honorary doctorates.

Background and Request for Honorary Degrees

During his career, Bill Cosby delivered numerous graduation speeches at various colleges and universities. Following each speech, he would request an honorary doctorate from the institution. A notable instance was when Cosby was asked to deliver a graduation speech for my brother's class at Rice University. Despite being a well-known comedian and actor, Rice University refused to grant him the honorary degree, which he viewed as a personal insult.

Beyond his engagement with the institutions, Cosby's scholarly pursuits were recognized through his academic achievements. He dropped out of high school but later earned a bachelor's degree in 1971. This accomplishment was followed by an establishment as one of the most renowned comedians in the world, primarily due to his role in the educational show The Electric Company. This show, produced by Children's Television Workshop, was aimed at children who had grown out of the age range for Sesame Street.

Academic Achievements and Involvements

Bill Cosby's academic journey continued with a master's degree in education and later an EdD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His thesis, available at the UMass library, focuses on the use of educational television as an aid in learning. One can find a copy of his thesis here. Cosby's educational television projects included The Electric Company, Fat Albert, and Sesame Street. Additionally, he starred in Picture Pages, a series of educational shorts that complemented a booklet of puzzles and games for viewers to complete alongside him.

The Controversy and Rescinded Degrees

These academic achievements, though commendable, came into question when Bill Cosby's myriad of sexual assaults were uncovered. The public was shocked by the revelation, as Cosby was not previously known for his criminal behavior. In today's context, if a comedian like Jim Gaffigan were to be exposed as a serial rapist, it would be equally shocking. This scenario highlights the dual nature of Cosby's public persona and the stark contrast between his image as a family-friendly entertainer and the dark reality of his actions.

Despite these revelations, the institutions that initially bestowed honorary doctorates on Bill Cosby chose to retract them. The rescission was a clear indication that academic accolades should not be given without rigorous scrutiny, especially in cases involving significant public distrust and allegations of serious criminal behavior.

The removal of honorary degrees from Bill Cosby underscores the importance of integrity and moral values in the academic community. It serves as a reminder that while expertise and achievements in one field can earn respect, the totality of one's life and actions must also align with the values upheld by the institution.