Bill Cosby: University of Massachusetts cuts ties with comedian accused of rape

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst has cut ties with alumnus Bill Cosby amid allegations by women accusing him of sexual assault.

A university spokesman told the Boston Globe on Wednesday that university officials had asked Cosby to step down as an honorary co-chairman of their $300 million (Dh1101 million) fundraising campaign and Cosby agreed.

Cosby received a master’s degree and a doctorate in education from the university. He and his wife donated several hundred thousand dollars to the university.

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley sent a letter to the university urging it to cut ties with Cosby.

Coakley says while Cosby hadn’t been criminally charged his association sends the wrong message when the state is focused on the prevention of campus sexual assault.