Email sent to the RPI community May 21, 2018 To: The Rensselaer Community From: Richie Hunter, Vice President for Strategic Communications and External Relations Re: Statement by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Regarding William H. Cosby's Honorary Degree On Friday, May 18, 2018 the Board of Trustees of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute voted to rescind the honorary degree awarded to William H. Cosby Jr. in 2001. The decision was based on Mr. Cosby's April 26, 2018, criminal conviction of aggravated indecent assault. Mr. Cosby's conduct, adjudicated by a jury, clearly demonstrates that Mr. Cosby has grossly failed to embody the ideals of personal integrity and good citizenship upon which the honorary degree was based.