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 More than a dozen women have come forward in the past few
weeks with accusations that Cosby, 77, sexually assaulted them
as far back as the 1960s.
Patrick O'Connor, chairman of the Philadelphia university's
board of trustees, said Cosby called him on Monday to resign.
"He didn't want his personal issue to detract from his service
to Temple," O'Connor said in a phone interview. "He was a great
trustee. I thanked him for his service."
Cosby has never been charged, and his lawyers have said the
assault claims were discredited and defamatory.
Cosby was proud of his education at Temple, where he discovered
a gift for comedy that led to a successful career in stand-up
and groundbreaking roles for an African-American actor in
television series such as "I Spy" and "The Cosby Show."
Cosby, who might be best known for his role as wholesome father
Dr. Cliff Huxtable, used his position as one of the biggest
stars on television to encourage young people, particularly in
underprivileged African-American communities, to get out of
poverty by earning an education.
The decision to leave Temple's board comes after the University
of Massachusetts Amherst and Berklee College of Music cut ties
last week with the comedian, who had a reputation as a strong
fundraiser. High Point University in North Carolina has also
removed Cosby from its board of advisers.
Temple's silence on the situation since the allegations came to
light had raised uncomfortable questions for some students at
the university.
O'Connor represented Cosby in a 2005 lawsuit brought by a Temple
employee who accused the comedian of sexual assault. The case
ended with a confidential settlement.
'MAKE A LOUD STATEMENT'
Grace Holleran, an opinion editor of the Temple student
newspaper who wrote a column entitled "Stop Revering Cosby,"
said the university should take a stronger stance against him
and sexual misconduct.
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"It would have been nice if Temple had booted him instead of him
resigning, but I don't think it's too late for Temple to make a
statement," Holleran said. "If the university stopped inviting him
to university functions, that would make a loud statement."
Temple has a long association with Cosby, who attended in 1961-1962
and earned his bachelor's degree in 1971. Cosby, who is often seen
wearing apparel adorned with the Temple logo, is a frequent visitor
to the sprawling urban campus and often mentioned the school in his
act.
The university has not disclosed how much money Cosby has given the
school. His family funds two small scholarships at Temple, which has
some 38,000 students.
In a statement released by the university Monday, Cosby said: "I
have always been proud of my association with Temple University. I
have always wanted to do what would be in the best interests of the
university and its students."
The comedian has refused to address questions about the allegations
as more women have come forward, saying he forced himself on them
sexually, with some accusing him of drugging them first.
While the statute of limitations means that alleged victims may
never bring a case to court, the barrage of allegations have
nevertheless caused serious damage to Cosby's active career of late
and plans to return to TV.
Two weeks ago, NBC and Netflix canceled planned projects with Cosby,
while promoters have canceled some of the dates on his U.S. stand-up
comedy tour.
(Additional reporting by Eric Kelsey; Writing by Scott Malone and
Mary Milliken; Editing by Richard Valdmanisl, Eric Walsh and Alan
Crosby)
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