Bill Cosby Resigns From Temple University Board Of Trustees
By Todd Quinones
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The weight of the mounting firestorm apparently was too much, and it collapsed an iconic Philadelphia connection.
He was the face of Temple University. Bill Cosby's ties here run deep, speaking at graduations, motivating future generations.
"A lot of people look up to him. He does have a great impact on the students," Student Jalen Fields said.
Cosby's legendary relationship with Temple came to an abrupt end Monday.
Numerous old allegations have resurfaced, and new claims too, all from more than a dozen women claiming to have been drugged and / or sexually assaulted by Cosby over the past several decades.
The 77-year-old Philadelphia native resigned from the Board of Trustees of Temple University, writing in a statement:
"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. As a result, I have tendered my resignation from the Temple University Board of Trustees."
The move further complicates how students Eyewitness News talked to feel about the scandal and Cosby himself.
The 77-year-old has never faced criminal charges and he has denied the allegations.
"When everything was coming out I was like that is not true, it can't be, but then seeing him resign from Temple and everything now I'm just like oh is this true," student Kenya Major said.
"It's understandable that he would have to resign from Temple, you know bringing all this attention to the University," student Desmond Williams said.
According to Temple's website, Cosby was a member of the Board of Trustees for academics.
He had served on the board for 32 years.
For its part, Temple University released a statement saying:
"The Board of Trustees accepts Dr. Cosby's resignation from the board and thanks him for his service to the university."
A change.org petition drew more than a thousand signatures urging Temple to cut ties with Cosby.
The petition was created last week by 2005 Temple graduate Kerry Potter McCormick.
Eyewitness News talked to her Monday night after Cosby resigned.
"I am happy that it doesn't seem like he is going to have a continuing relationship with Temple," she said.
Cosby was on the Board of Trustees since 1982.
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