Harvard University to Rescind W.E.B. Du Bois Medal Given to Harvey Weinstein in 2014

CAMBRIDGE, MA - Harvard University voted this week to rescind the 2014 W.E.B Du Bois medal awarded to Harvey Weinstein, a movie executive accused of more than 40 incidents of sexual harassment, and in some cases assault.

The Du Bois medal is Harvard's highest honor in the field of African and African American Studies. It is awarded to individuals in "recognition of their contributions to African American culture and the life of the mind."

According to the Crimson, the Executive Committee of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research voted Tuesday night to rescind the honor in the wake of the a New York Times expose detailing Weinstein’s behavior.

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“We have voted unanimously to rescind the Du Bois Medal awarded to Mr. Weinstein in 2014. We stand with the women who have courageously come forward to fight for themselves and indeed for all of those who have experienced similar abuse,” the group wrote in a statement.

Weinstein was inducted alongside Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Steve McQueen, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Harry Belafonte and British architect David Adjaye.

2017 recipients of the W.E.B. Du Bois medal included rapper LL Cool J, political analyst Donna Brazile, film director Ava DuVernay and Microsoft Chairman John W. Thompson.

(Photo by Alexander Koerner/Getty Images)

Harvey Weinstein speaks at the 'Lion' press junket during the 12th Zurich Film Festival on September 22, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland.