Howard University Urged To Fire Phylicia Rashad Over Bill Cosby Support

BY Erika Marie 2.5K Views
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Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Howard University
The HBCU issued a formal response to the dean's comments regarding Cosby's release while the public calls for her to step down.

Things took a drastic turn for Phylicia Rashad recently after she vocalized support for her friend. Bill Cosby was released from prison this week after his conviction was overturned on a technicality, and the decision divided the public. As soon as the news was shared, Rashad took to social media to say, "FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted - a miscarriage of justice is corrected!" 

Soon, the beloved actress was met with a fury of backlash as people condemned her for allegedly not supporting survivors of sexual assault. She returned to say that she stands by victims, but the outcry continued and soon, the dean of Howard University's fine art college was being urged to step down from her position.

Howard University released a statement on the controversy saying Rashad's "initial tweet locked sensitivity toward survivors of sexual assault." They added that her personal opinions don't "reflect Howard University's policies" and they "stand with survivors and challenge systems that would deny them justice."

Rashad has since deleted her social media messages supporting Cosby's release, but still, she remains a target by those who wish to see her removed from her position at the HBCU. Detractors claim that Rashad would not be fit to hold a position where she may have to handle students who have been victims of sexual assault, while others think that the public is making something out of nothing. 

Meanwhile, Cosby continues to maintain his innocence and is celebrating his release with his loved ones. Read through a few posts below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.