On June 7, 2024, the Howard University Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept the return of the honorary degree conferred upon Sean Combs in 2014. This decision was made in response to a recently released video capturing Mr. Combs’ behavior, which the Board stated is “fundamentally incompatible with the university’s core values and beliefs.”
Sean Combs received an honorary degree in 2014 during the University’s 146th Commencement Ceremony. Last month, CNN aired a 2016 surveillance video showing Sean Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Combs later posted a video on Instagram taking full responsibility for his actions, calling his behavior “inexcusable.”
![Public Service Commission (PSC) Vice-Chairperson Mary Wanjira Kimonye (right) receives a trophy gift from the Institute of Human Resources Management [IHRM] during the 6th Women in HR Convention which is in Naivasha. Photo by Shikuku/ Immaculate Kariuki](https://coatmediaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC_3896-120x86.jpg)
The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.
~The Howard University Board of Trustees
The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence. Consequently, the Board has revoked and returned all honors and privileges associated with Combs’ degree. Additionally, the Board has disbanded the scholarship program named after Combs and decided to return his $1 million contribution from the Sean Combs Foundation. Since no payments were made under the Board’s agreement, no funds are due to be returned.
