Bill Cosby Resigns From Trustee Board Of Alma Mater Temple University

ByJordianne Cornejo

Dec 02, 2014 01:09 AM EST

Legendary comedian Bill Cosby has stepped down from his post in Temple University's Board of Trustees after a number of sexual assault allegations were made against him, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Temple University and Cosby both released statements regarding the resignation.

"I have always been proud of my association with Temple University," Cosby, who is an alumnus of the university, said. "I have always wanted to do what would be in the berst interests of the university and its students. As a result, I have tendered my resignation from the Temple University Board of Trustees."

The school supported Cosby's decision, saying in a statement that: "The Board of Trustees accepts Dr. Cosby's resignation from the board and thanks him for his service to the university."

Alumni and other members of the Temple community previously asked the university to cut ties with the embattled comedian, according to the Washington Post. An online petition was made and has garnered more than 1,000 signatures.

Cosby has been known for supporting institutions that offer higher education and has been a donor for various universities in the US.

Before he stepped down from Temple, Cosby also resigned from his post as honorary co-chair of a fundraising campaign at the University of Massachussetts.

Dozens of women have come forward to claim they were sexually assaulted by the legendary comedian. Cosby finally broke his silence last week, according to ABC, and released a comment.

"I know people are tired of me not saying anything, but a guy doesn't have to answer to innuendos," Cosby said. "People should fact check. People shouldn't have to go through that and shouldn't answer to innuendos."

Cosby's legal representative Martin Singer has answered some of the claims, saying they are "fabricated lies."

"These brand new claims about alleged decades-old events are becoming increasingly ridiculous," Singer said in a statement. "It is completely illogical that so many people would have said nothing, done nothing, and made no reports to law enforcement...over a span of so many years."