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After 40 Years, Georgetown Senior Center Serves Its Last Lunch
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ANC: Jelleff Center, Dumbarton Oaks, C&O Canal Bridge
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Business Ins & Outs: José Andrés Hotel, Call Your Mother, Housebar, Creme
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Happy 100th Birthday, President Carter!
ANC Tonight: Heating Plant Demo, MedStar Plan, Duke Ellington Update
February 18, 2016
•The Georgetown-Burleith-Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2E) will hold its February meeting, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 1, at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 35th Street and Volta Place, NW, Heritage Room, main building, second floor. The following is Monday’s meeting agenda, as provided by ANC 2E.
Approval of the Agenda
• Approval of February 1, 2016, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda
Administrative
• Approval of Jan 4, 2016 Meeting Minutes
• Public Safety and Police Report
• Financial Report
• Transportation Report
• Environmental Report
Community Comment
• “Black Georgetown Remembered” 25th anniversary, Feb.24, Georgetown University
New Business
• Marine Corps Marathon
ABC
• GoBrands, Inc. t/a GoPuff – Rive, ABRA-101261, 3401 Water St (online retailer)
• Dean & DeLuca Settlement Agreement
Zoning and Planning
Old Georgetown Board
Public and Major Projects
1. SMD 01 OG 16-110 (HPA 16-182) 3800 Reservoir Road, NW (MedStar/Georgetown Univ. Hospital) New hospital building Concept
2. SMD 05 OG 16-107 (HPA 16-179) 1051 29th Street, NW (West Heating Plant) Multi-family residence New building, site work Concept
3. SMD 05 OG 16-108 (HPA 16-180) 1051-1055 29th Street, NW Industrial Demolition Permit
4. Duke Ellington School of the Arts Design Updates for HPRB
Private Projects
1. SMD 03 OG 16-068 (HOPA 16-114) 3420 P Street, NW Residence Addition, demolition, replacement windows, site work Concept
2. SMD 03 OG 16-116 (HPA 16-188) 1525 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Rooftop mechanical equipment and ductwork — Existing alterations without review Revised permit
3. SMD 05 OG 16-100 (HPA 16-172) 3222-3236 M Street, NW Commercial Storefront alterations and back-light signs — Anthropologie Concept
4. SMD 05 OG 16-090 (HPA 16-138) 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Commercial Alterations to roof pergola Concept
5. SMD 05 OG 16-071 (HPA 16-119) 1044 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial One-story addition, alterations, sign — Sweetgreen Concept
6. SMD 05 OG 16-118 (HPA 16-190) 3101 N Street, NW Commercial New pavers at driveway Concept
No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming February 4, 2016, agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, Jan. 29.
1. SMD 02 OG 16-044 (HPA 16-076) 1617 33rd Street, NW Residence Replacement windows Permit
2. SMD 02 OG 16-045 (HPA 16-077) 1679 35th Street, NW Residence One-story rear addition, porch enclosure, demolition Concept
3. SMD 02 OG 16-092 (HPA 16-159) 3300 Q Street, NW Residence Replacement windows, alterations Permit
4. SMD 02 OG 16-074 (HPA 16-122) 3417 R Street, NW Residence Three-story rear addition, alterations, demolition – Design Development Concept
5. SMD 02 OG 16-032 (HPA 16-044) 3401 Dent Place, NW Solar panels Permit
6. SMD 02 OG 16-091 (HPA 16-146) 3212 Volta Place Residence Fence Permit
7. SMD 02 OG 16-066 (HPA 16-112) 1740 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Alterations Permit
8. SMD 03 OG 16-096 (HPA 16-096) 1239 33rd Street, NW Alterations to rear window Permit
9. SMD 03 OG 16-083 (HPA 16-131) 1417 33rd Street, NW Residence Alterations to carport Permit
10. SMD 03 OG 16-094 (HPA 16-162) 1561 33rd Street, NW Residence Fence replacement Permit
11. SMD 03 OG 16-105 (HPA 16-177) 1431 36th Street, NW Residence Roof replacement Permit
12. SMD 03 OG 15-285 (HPA 15-531) 3301 N Street, NW Residence Rear addition, alterations — Existing alterations without review Permit
13. SMD 03 OG 16-097 (HPA 16-165) 3259 O Street, NW Residence Door replacement Permit
14. SMD 03 OG 16-085 (HPA 15-558) 3300 O Street, NW Residence Replacement windows at basement Permit
15. SMD 03 OG 16-103 (HPA 16-175) 3323 O St., NW Residence Alterations Concept
16. SMD 03 OG 16-119 (HPA 16-191) 3422 P Street, NW Residence Alterations to carriage house Permit
17. SMD 03 OG 16-106 (HPA 16-178) 3526 P Street, NW Residence Roof replacement Permit
18. SMD 05 OG 16-109 (HPA 16-181) 3001 M Street, NW Commercial Signs – Mykita, and light fixtures Permit
19. SMD 05 OG 16-112 (HPA 16-184) 3150 M Street, NW Commercial Alterations Revised permit
20. SMD 05 OG 16-111 (HPA 16-183) 3209 M Street, NW Commercial Glass awning Permit
21. SMD 05 OG 16-046 (HPA 16-078) 3241-3245 M Street, NW Commercial Storefront alterations, sign – & Other Stories Concept
22. SMD 05 OG 16-041 (HPA 16-073) 3299 M Street, NW Commercial Alterations, sign – Peet’s Coffee & Tea Permit
23. SMD 05 OG 16-081 (HPA 16-129) 3600 M Street, NW (Car Barn) Mixed-use Alterations, replacement windows Concept
24. SMD 05 OG 16-013 (HPA 16-021) 3121 N Street, NW Residence New front porch Permit
25. SMD 05 OG 16-115 (HPA 16-187) 3340 Cady’s Alley, NW Commercial Sign and banner – Resource Furniture Permit
26. SMD 05 OG 16-102 (HPA 16-174) 1010 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Flashing and re-pointing of balconies Permit
27. SMD 05 OG 16-048 (HPA 16-080) 1055 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Mixed-use Mesh frame Permit
28. SMD 05 OG 16-114 (HPA 16-186) 1057 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Back-lit sign – AT&T Permit
29. SMD 06 OG 16-120 (HPA 16-192) 1308 28th Street, NW Institution Security cameras Permit
30. SMD 06 OG 15-323 (HPA 15-599) 1423 28th Street, NW Residence Roof replacement Permit
31. SMD 06 OG 15-345 (HPA 15-622) 1340 29th Street, NW Residence Solar panels Permit
32. SMD 06 OG 16-117 (HPA 16-167) 2707 N Street, NW Residence Rear additions Permit
33. SMD 06 OG 16-121 (HPA 16-193) 2801 N Street, NW Institution Door replacement and security cameras Permit
34. SMD 06 OG 16-098 2804 P Street, NW Residence Alterations at rear Permit
35. SMD 07 OG 16-099 (HPA 171) 1502 27th Street, NW Residence Front porch, site alterations Permit
36. SMD 07 OG 16-122 (HPA 16-194) 1609 31st Street, NW Residence Alteration, addition, site work Permit
37. SMD 06 OG 16-123 (HPA 16-195) 3015 P Street, NW Residence Rear addition and dormer Permit
38. SMD 07 OG 15-321 (HPA 15-596) 3001 Dent Place, NW Residence Replace retaining wall and fence on public space, site work Permit
39. SMD 07 OG 16-003 (HPA 16-009) 3029 Dent Place, NW Residence Rear addition, alterations Concept
40. SMD 08 OG 15-330 (HPA 15-606) 1221 36th Street, NW Institution Addition/alterations – de la Cruz Gallery of Art Concept
Government of the District of Columbia: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E
3265 S St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
202-724-7098 anc2e@dc.gov www.anc2e.com
Gondola Feasibility Study Approved by Arlington County
•
On Jan. 26, the Arlington County Board approved a Multiparty Memorandum of Agreement to help fund a feasibility study for an aerial gondola between Rosslyn and Georgetown, according to the Washington Post.
The study will determine whether a gondola could be a viable form of transportation, alleviating traffic on the Key Bridge and compensating for Georgetown’s lack of a Metro rail station.
Under the agreement, Arlington County will pay $35,000, the Post reported. The Georgetown Business Improvement District will contribute $75,000 toward the total cost of $250,000 with Georgetown University, the District of Columbia Department of Transportation, the Rosslyn Business Improvement Corporation, JBG Associates L.L.C. and Gould Properties/Vornado making up the difference.
According to the board, Arlington County will also lend staff and technical support to the its executive committee as it investigates the possibility of an aerial gondola across the Potomac.
The schedule on the board report indicates that the study will begin by March after a consultant has been awarded a contract and will conclude by October of this year.
One Dead, Another Injured After Stabbing at Barcode
•
One man was fatally stabbed and another was injured at Barcode nightclub late at night on Sunday, Jan. 31.
Barcode, located near 17th and L streets NW, is a popular D.C. venue for lunch, happy hour specials and dancing.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported that the incident happened inside the bar at approximately 11:40 p.m. Both men were transported to area hospitals, where one then died at 12:42 a.m. The other victim is expected to recover fully.
Further information regarding the homicide has not yet been released. Police are still investigating the case and have not yet announced any details of a suspect(s).
Georgetown Retirement Home to Become Luxury Apartments
•
After serving Georgetown and the nation’s capital since 1978, The Georgetown, a 92-unit, assisted-living facility at 2512 Q St. NW, will be renovated for use as luxury apartments.
The Georgetown’s owner, Holladay Corporation, will present its plans for the Q Street residential complex to the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission at its Feb. 29 meeting, according to Rita Bamberger, senior vice president of Holladay Corporation, based in Washington, D.C.
Bamberger told The Georgetowner that nearby residents had been contacted by the company about the conversion.
The property was set to undergo a multi-million-dollar building renovation last May, and the retirement home residents were moved out early last year.
One neighbor indicated that he would be “calling the city to explore if the seniors rights were violated since what they were originally told has changed.”
Built as an apartment building in the 1920s, The Georgetown was “one of the city’s first retirement facilities to address the growing needs of its elderly population, offering both housing and an array of social services,” according to Holladay. Many of its residents were well known locally as well as nationally, such as Sen. Eugene McCarthy, Betty Friedan and Emerson Duncan.
Weekend Round Up February 11, 2016
February 16, 2016
•Singles Anti-Valentine Party
February 12th, 2016 at 05:30 PM | iricchievents@gmail.com | Tel: 202-835-0459 | Event Website
Who Needs Cupid Anyway? Bring a friend, or make a new connection at our bar for $8 special cocktails, $6 wine, and $3 beer with complimentary appetizers. 5:30-9 pm
Address
Ristorante i Ricchi; 1220 19th Street NW
Valentine’s Silent Disco Party
February 13th, 2016 at 08:00 PM | $15-20 | info@silentdancesociety.com | Tel: 2024702642 | Event Website
Calling on all those who believe in love – singles, couples and friends! Let’s meet on the dance floor!
Love is in the air and what a better way to celebrate than with music and dancing. Expose yourself to the world of rhythm and movement and let the dance beats of our 3 DJs lure you into a night of fun, music, and excitement.
Address
The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown; 3100 South Street NW
GEORGETOWN CONCERT SERIES United States Navy Band Sea Chanters
February 14th, 2016 at 05:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | sam@stjohnsgeorgetown.org | Tel: 202-338-1796 | Event Website
Anchors aweigh and all hands on deck! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with well-known tunes, sacred medleys, patriotic music, and other favorites at a family-friendly, fun, and FREE performance by the U.S. Navy’s acclaimed official chorus, the Navy Band Sea Chanters.
FREE PARKING at the Hyde Addison School parking lot directly across from the church.
Reception follows in Blake Hall.
Address
St. John’s Episcopal Church; Georgetown Parish; 3240 O St. NW
Valentine’s Day Supper Club
February 14th, 2016 at 07:00 PM | $150 | rsvp@artsoiree.com | Tel: (202) 912-4109 | Event Website
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a truly enchanting private evening of candlelit dining & live concert at the stunning Fahrenheit ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown. Treat yourself and your other half to a delicious pre-fix dinner as you enjoy the melodic sounds of the Lauren White band with an old school supper club charm.
A multi-course menu specially crafted by Ritz-Carlton’s new executive chef will be a feast for all the senses.
Address
The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown; 3100 South Street NW
Spring onto the Scene with Barbour
February 15th, 2016 at 10:00 AM | 0 | Event Website
Spring and Summer are fast approaching; embrace the warmer weather with Barbour’s new Spring/Summer 2016 collection! This collection encompasses a wide selection of garments and accessories, from light jackets designed for biking across the desert to cashmere cable knits and casual daywear. This diverse arrangement of clothing is now available at your local Barbour Georgetown store. For more information, visit Barbour.com.
Address
Barbour Georgetown; 3221 M Street NW
Mrs. Peter Invites You: Presidents’ Day Open House
February 15th, 2016 at 11:00 AM | 0-10 | press@tudorplace.org | Tel: 2029650400 | Event Website
On Presidents’ Day, see one of our nation’s largest collections of George and Martha Washington objects, including rare artifacts not usually displayed, and meet the Martha Washington granddaughter who built Tudor Place with her husband as a showplace for capital society. “Martha Parke Custis Peter” (as played by an interpreter) will showcase her family heirlooms and share fascinating stories of life in the new and growing Federal City.
For all ages.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Address
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden;1644 31st Street NW
Flying in the Great Hall
February 13th, 2016 at 09:00 PM | Free | Tel: 202-272-2448 | Event Website
11 am–4 pm
Free. Drop-in demonstration. All ages.
Witness death-defying feats of aeronautics—well, model aeronautics, anyway—when the D.C. Maxecuters return to fly their model airplanes in the Museum’s Great Hall. Check out their rubber-band- and electric-powered model airplanes as they soar overhead.
Address
National Building Museum; 401 F Street NW
DC Water’s Green Works: A Years-Long, Massive Project
February 10, 2016
•As part of its Green Infrastructure Challenge initiative, DC Water is launching a program this summer to divert stormwater by connecting downspouts to rain barrels after disconnecting them from standpipes that run into the “combined sewer.” Participants would give DC Water a right-of-entry to inspect the properties about once a year to ensure downspouts remain connected to the barrels.
In an interview with The Georgetowner, Bethany Bezak, DC Water’s manager of Green Infrastructure, said the program would be optional for property owners and that properties must meet the approved criteria for installation, including “enough pervious space” to ensure no flooding. While there would be no penalty for disconnecting the rain barrels, she said, there would be a process to reconnect to the sewer, and that DC Water would ask that property owners inform them of disconnections, primarily for the sake of tracking the use of rain barrels for the Environmental Protection Agency. The rain barrel program is part of a plan modification that reduces the amount of work that will be done in the streets and public right of way to divert additional stormwater away from the combined sewer, as required in part by the EPA, Bezak said.
Set to begin mid-2017, the work in the public right of way will consist of the construction of the Potomac River Tunnel, a 23,000-foot-long gravity tunnel that will connect and consolidate six of Georgetown’s combined sewer overflow outfalls along the Georgetown Waterfront to the Blue Plains Tunnel in Anacostia. The new tunnel, along with the implementation of the Green Infrastructure initiatives, such as downspouts diverted to rain barrels, is a response to public comments. The original plan had a 4,500-foot-long tunnel, but required the highly disruptive construction of a pumping station to empty the tunnel, as well as additional capacity to the tunnel dewatering station. The simpler gravity-fed tunnel will run along the Potomac River, eliminate the need for a new tunnel dewatering pumping station and offer greater reliability, according to DC Water’s Long Term Control Plan Modification for Green Infrastructure.
The document notes that the combined sewer is an antiquated system that carries both sewage and storm runoff to a treatment plant to remove pollutants before being discharged into the Potomac. During periods of heavy rain, when the capacity of the combined sewer is exceeded, the overflow, which includes untreated sewage, is discharged directly into the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. Modern sewer systems separate sewage from rainwater. No combined sewers have been built in the District since 1900.
According to an email from Bezak, “Implementation [of the Green Infrastructure] may have impacts such as dust, noise, temporary closure of streets and alleys and temporary parking restrictions. DC Water will work closely with the community to minimize the impacts of construction,” similar to road construction projects. “DC Water is currently developing the proposed locations and types of GI [green infrastructure] for implementation. Once developed, DC Water will continue to seek public feedback. Following this process, a phased construction plan will be developed to determine which areas will be constructed first within the construction timeline.”
Jeff Jones, a member of the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission, says that ANC2E is trying to collect more information, to find out what requirements and stipulations will go into agreeing to the program. “We want to make sure that residents understand what they are getting into,” he said.
DC Water will pay for the rain barrels, disconnection of the downspouts from the sewer and reconnection to the rain barrels, said Bezak, and that property owners will be responsible for maintenance of the rain barrels and will be provided with information on how to do so. She added that many people use the stored water for gardening and even washing cars.
Interested property owners are invited by DC Water to contact them at cleanriversgi@dcwater.com to schedule a brief audit of their property to evaluate suitability for the rain barrels or other Green Infrastructure opportunities. Anyone with questions about the program may also contact that address.
*[Editor’s Note: There will be regular updates on this massive project. Please call The Georgetowner at 202-338-4833 if you have concerns or questions.]*
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Mayor Voids Friday Snow Parking Tickets; D.C. Issued More Than $1 Million in Fines
February 1, 2016
•Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that all citations issued for parking on snow emergency routes on Friday, Jan. 22 will be voided. The 2,800 citations issued, each with a fine of $250, are no longer in effect—although towing and storage fees still are.
“The Blizzard of 2016 was one of the largest snow events in recent history and we are all working together to dig the District out from this storm,” Bowser said. “Despite that drivers were advised last Thursday to remove their vehicles from snow routes, I understand that some who received citations that Friday may not have known about the parking restriction, or may have been running errands in preparation for the storm. This ticket dismissal is one small way that we can continue to help each other recover from the storm.”
“Residents who have already paid their citations for violations that occurred on Friday, Jan. 22, will receive a refund,” the mayor’s office added. “In either case, all applicable towing and storage fees still apply. Residents with questions about the citation void are asked to call 311.”
According to several press reports, the District of Columbia issued more $1 million during the blizzard of 2016.
NBC4 News reported, “The District issued $1,369,750 in fines for cars left on snow emergency routes—and towed almost 700 of them, the city said. . . . Another 431 cars were impounded by private tow companies and were issued $250 parking tickets and the $100 tow fee, plus a $20 per day storage fee.”
Weekend Round Up January 28, 2016
•
Coup Sauvage & The Snips — Foul Swoops — FRINGE MUSIC
JANUARY 28TH, 2016 AT 09:00 PM | INFO@CAPITALFRINGE.ORG | TEL: 202-737-7230 | EVENT WEBSITE
Coup Sauvage & The Snips and Foul Swoops are two of D.C.’s realest bands. Coup Sauvage brings a witty, politically radical, deeply-DC dance phenomenon while Foul Swoops serves up re-imagined, bombastic gritty rock & roll. Get with it.
Address
Capital Fringe
1358 Florida Ave NE
Beard Papa’s Finally Opens
JANUARY 29TH, 2016 AT 12:30PM | EVENT WEBSITE
Known for delicious cream puffs, Beard Papa’s became an international desserts phenomenon after opening their first location in Osaka, Japan in 1999. The much-anticipated Georgetown store, will be open 12:30-6 p.m. on Friday. Beginning on Saturday, January 30, Beard Papa’s will be fully open, operating Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Address
Beard Papa’s
1332 Wisconsin Ave NW
Spy Fest: Tradecraft Try-Its for the Whole Family
JANUARY 29TH, 2016 AT 06:00 PM | $14 | INFO@SPYMUSEUM.ORG | TEL: 202-393-7798 | EVENT WEBSITE
Could you be a spy? Now’s your chance to find out! Families are invited to find out how they measure up at the Museum s annual Spy Fest. Mini-missions, tradecraft demonstrations by the experts, and the chance to try spy skill challenges will give KidSpy agents and their handlers an insider s peek into the shadow world of spying and who knows, there just may be a spy or two in your midst.
Address
International Spy Museum
800 F Street, NW
Dine on Wine
JANUARY 29TH, 2016 AT 7:30PM | $75 | EVENTS@VIAUMBRIA.COM | TEL: 202-333-3904 | EVENT WEBSITE
Learn how to turn your favorite drinks into your favorite dishes with Chef Jodie. Part demonstration and part dining, this evening is guaranteed to be 100% fun! The event takes place on January 29 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and includes delicious dishes such as Umbrian crostini with chicken liver pate, radicchio with vincotto and mascarpone, red wine risotto, braised lamb, dessert, and wine.
Address
Via Umbria
1525 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 122
Ted Alexandro
JANUARY 29TH, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | $22 | WOLFTRAP@WOLFTRAP.ORG | TEL: 703-255-1900 | EVENT WEBSITE
“Crafty, thoughtful and extremely funny” (The New York Times), don’t miss the stand-up comedian who has appeared on the late night shows of David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, and more.
Address
The Barns at Wolf Trap
1635 Trap Road
The Winter Onesie Party
JANUARY 29TH, 2016 AT 10:30PM | $10 | TEL: 617-340-8791| EVENT WEBSITE
Hit up Malmaison and put that onesie you just got to WORK. This year, The Winter Onesie Party is your chance to step out in that sexy, cozy one-piece. And we all know, everything is better in a onesie. If you do not have a onesie, not to worry. The AJ Team has partnered with a few awesome onesie companies! Below are company links and promo codes.
FUNZEE 20% off with the code “winteronesie20”
JUMPIN’ JAMMERZ 25% off with the code “Party25” (Not valid for certain premium, clearance or on sale items.)
FOREVER LAZY 25% off with the code “OnesieParty” (Applies for items over $30, and free shipping on orders over $100.)
Address
Malmaison
3401 K St NW
Gay Men’s Chorus of DC: Rock Creek Singers/Potomac Fever
JANUARY 30TH, 2016 AT 07:30 PM | $45 | WOLFTRAP@WOLFTRAP.ORG | TEL: 703-255-1900 | EVENT WEBSITE
Two vocal ensembles from “one of the world’s best male choruses” showcase their “usual impeccable musicianship [and] witty choreography” (The Washington Post) in this “fabulously fun” (Broadway World) performance—hear the WAMMIE-winning groups during their 35th anniversary season.
Address
The Barns at Wolf Trap
1635 Trap Road
Trevor Young: VOLTAGE
JANUARY 30TH, 2016 AT 11AM – 5:30PM | TEL: 202-338-5180 | [EVENT WEBSITE](http://www.addisonripleyfineart.com/exhibitions)
Come to Addison/Ripley Fine Art for VOLTAGE, Trevor Young’s first exhibition at the Georgetown gallery. And, while some of the images are, indeed, electrifying, with structures illuminated by concealed light sources, it is the stillness the artist captures best, the potential of places: an airline conveyor belt, empty of luggage, a building under construction or an aerial view of streets emptied of traffic.
Address
Addison/Ripley Fine Art
1670 Wisconsin Ave NW [gallery ids="102380,123736,123743" nav="thumbs"]
GWU to Rescind Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degree
January 28, 2016
•George Washington University President Steven Knapp announced Jan. 11 that the university will rescind Bill Cosby’s honorary degree conferred by the university.
Cosby was arraigned in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30 and charged with aggravated indecent assault, a second-degree felony, for allegedly drugging a woman until she could not move before sexually abusing her in his home in 2004. It is the first known arrest related to the more than 40 accusations of sexual assault that have been publically levied against the comedian in recent years for alleged sexual abuse dating back to the early ’70s.
In a letter to the GW community, Knapp wrote: “Students last fall raised the question of whether, given the numerous allegations of sexual assault against Bill Cosby, the university should rescind the honorary doctoral degree it conferred on Mr. Cosby in 1997. Last October, we issued a statement indicating that honorary degrees were conferred at a moment in time, based upon what was known about the candidate at that time, and it had never been the university’s practice to rescind a degree in response to later information. Since then, however, I have continued to discuss this issue with students as well as colleagues. What has particularly moved and impressed me has been the argument that, whatever may ultimately be determined about the guilt or innocence of Mr. Cosby in a court of law, the controversy itself has become a cause of renewed distress for our students and alumni who are survivors of sexual assault. That makes this case different, in my considered judgment, from other cases in which the assessment of a degree candidate might be altered by subsequent information or events. I have therefore decided that the university will rescind Mr. Cosby’s honorary degree.”