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SUNY revokes Weinstein's honorary degree

Posted at 2:50 PM, Nov 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-15 14:50:26-05

The SUNY Board of Trustees has officially revoked Harvey Weinstein's honorary degree from the University at Buffalo, in light of recent allegations against the producer.

Weinstein was presented with an honorary SUNY doctorate from the school in 2000 in recognition of his contributions to the film industry. UB began the process of rescinding the degree in October after the New York Times exposed a huge scandal surrounding the powerful film producer. Since then, women have come forward, accusing Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault and rape. From 1990 to 2015, Weinstein reached at least eight settlements with women.

UB released the following statement in response to the revocation:

The University at Buffalo fully supports the action taken today by the SUNY Board of Trustees and the SUNY chancellor to revoke Mr. Weinstein’s SUNY honorary degree. We also are appreciative of the SUNY trustees’ careful review of the university’s recommendation to consider the revocation.

We firmly believe that Mr. Weinstein’s alleged and admitted conduct is inconsistent with the values and policies of the University at Buffalo and the State University of New York, contradicts the spirit of the honorary degree, which recognizes persons of the highest character, and undermines the accomplishments that were cited as the basis for awarding the honorary degree.

We at UB are collectively offended and disappointed by Mr. Weinstein’s alleged and admitted conduct. In seeking this revocation of the SUNY honorary degree, the University at Buffalo is also clearly stating that sexual harassment or sexual misconduct will not be tolerated.