George Washington University said it will rescind an honorary degree awarded to famed comedian Bill Cosby in 1997.

The decision comes in contrast to the university’s previous stance after allegations of Cosby drugging and sexually assaulting several women over the last three decades surfaced. Last fall, George Washington University said that it never took back honorary degrees based on information that came to light later.

But now, school officials say the debate was creating trauma for sexual assault victims. In a statement released Monday, GW president Steven Knapp said that he was persuaded by those who voiced ongoing concerns about the honor.

“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,” Knapp said.

Read more at Associated Press.