Last week, the University of Colorado’s Board of Regents voted unanimously to revoke the honorary degree of Rev. Charles Woodrich after a report accused the priest of sexually assaulting multiple children.

Earlier this month, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office released a report identifying nine new Catholic priests accused of sexually abusing juveniles. Woodrich was one of the nine.

Woodrich, more commonly known as Father Woody, was a prominent Denver figure known for working with the city’s homeless population. He died in 1991.

Release of abuse allegations reshapes legacy of Denver's Father Woody

The University of Colorado gave Woodrich an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in 1986 for this work. 

“We hope this action brings a small measure of comfort to the victims of this terrible abuse,” said a statement from university spokesman Ken McConnellogue.

During the vote, Regent Sue Sharkey said she believes this is the first time the University of Colorado has ever revoked an honorary degree.

Three victims were included in the report, describing sexual abuse from Woodrich in the 1970s and 1980s. Of the nine newly identified priests, Woodrich committed the most abuses.

Two of the victims were altar servers and the third was a parishioner, according to the report.

The first victim was abused monthly for six years beginning in 1983 when Woodrich was serving at Denver’s Holy Ghost Parish. The second victim was abused in 1976. The third victim was abused in 1978 at 15 or 16 years old.

In a statement, the Archdiocese of Denver said Woodrich’s name has also been removed “from any honorary designation including buildings, facilities, and programs.”