Statement from the University at Buffalo on the revocation of Harvey Weinstein’s honorary degree

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.

The university’s initial statement about the revocation of Mr. Weinstein’s SUNY honorary degree is available here:  http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2017/10/020.html.