Inside the Ivy

Inside the Ivy: Bill Cosby Violates Yale’s Standards

The one with Yale, Columbia, Harvard and Princeton.

Being found guilty of sexual assault is not the only bad news for Bill Cosby this week

A week that saw Bill Cosby found guilty for three counts of sexual assault also saw the comedian have his 2003 honorary degree from Yale rescinded.

The Yale Daily News reports, “The vote marks the first time in more than three centuries that Yale has rescinded an honorary degree. In an email to the News, University spokesman Tom Conroy said the Corporation’s decision was based on a court record that provided “clear and convincing evidence” that Cosby’s conduct violated Yale’s standards of decency.”

Yale joins Wesleyan, Boston College and several other universities in rescinding honorary degrees that had been awarded to Cosby over the years.

Columbia is working out its mental health issues

Columbia University’s Steering Group on mental health will be implementing new health services and program for the upcoming school year including bolstering student trainings during the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) and creating anti-overdose medication tutorials for administration.

The Columbia Daily Spectator reports, “Starting next year, incoming first-years will take an updated health history assessment in order for the Steering Group to gather further data on student trends. In addition, first-years will go through more extensive identity-based training during NSOP. Peer-to-peer training, as well as training for student leaders and volunteers, will also be offered for all students.”

The new reforms expand on mental health improvement objections put in place earlier this year that were criticized for their ambiguity and lack of tangible action.