Bill Cosby's Relationship With Temple University Is Over
Bill Cosby has stepped down from Temple University's board of trustees ahead of a rumored meeting to discuss his ties to school in light of the numerous sexual assault allegations against him.
Cosby, Temple's most famous alumnus, had been on the board since 1982 and helped raise millions for the university. An alumni-led change.org petition signed by 1,000 people urged the school to reconsider that profitable relationship, considering that 20 women have now come forward with claims that Cosby assaulted them.
Andrea Constand, former director of operations for Temple's women's basketball program, was the first woman to file suit against Cosby. In 2005, she alleged that he had drugged and raped her at his Philadelphia mansion. Her case, joined by 11 other Jane Does, was eventually settled out of court.
Patrick O'Connor, the attorney who defended Cosby in that civil suit, is the chairman of Temple's board. He "accepted Cosby's resignation and thanked him for his service" today.
"I have always been proud of my association with Temple University," said Cosby. "I have always wanted to do what would be in the best interests of the University and its students. As a result, I have tendered my resignation from temple University Board of Trustees."
Cosby's alma mater, UMass Amherst, cut ties with him last week. He had been acting as a co-chair of the school's $300 million capital campaign.
