Temple University released a statement saying that Bill Cosby has resigned from his seat on the board of trustees at the university in Philadelphia on Monday. University spokesman Brandon Lausch confirmed the statement, according to USA Today.

The public face for the university said in his statement of resignation from his 32-year position that he was always proud of his “association with Temple.” Cosby said his resignation was in the best interests of the university and its students.

The university did not mention anything about Cosby’s recent sexual assault allegations.  Instead, they simply thanked him for his service on the board and accepted his resignation. The university has declined commenting on any other reasons why he resigned.

Patrick O’Connor, board chairman, told The Associated Press that Cosby resigned because he does not want to be a distraction, according to USA Today.  Another Temple board member, Anthony McIntyre, admitted that Cosby’s situation is a “no-win.” However, he was confident that Cosby did what he thought was best and called the situation “a tragedy for all.”

According to a Fox News report, an online petition at Temple emerged with over 1,000 signatures insisting that the university stop associating with Cosby. Although the accusations have not been proven and Cosby has yet to be charged, student body president Raymond Smeriglio spoke out. He claimed that the reputation of the university was starting to “get dragged down” with the accusations.

Senior opinion editor of Temple News Grace Holleran said that she wished Temple would expand on their statement.  She added that Temple would emphasize that they care about sexual assault victims “if it stopped inviting him to talk on campus.”

Cosby attended Temple University on a track and field scholarship in the early 1960s.  He left to chase his dream of being a comedian, but he returned to Temple later and completed his bachelor’s degree.  He also received his master’s and doctorate in education from Temple, according to CNN.

Although he rarely attended board meeting at Temple, he did show his support at several basketball games.  This interest connected him to the one woman, who worked for the women’s basketball team, from Temple University who came forward with molestation accusations

Fox News also said that other colleges are ending their relationships with Cosby due to the assault reports. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst asked him to step down as its fundraising campaign honorary co-chairman position. CNN reported that University of Massachusetts-Amherst spokesman Ed Blaguszewski said Cosby is not affiliated with the university and does not serve in “any other capacity.” Berklee College of Music has discontinued their scholarship in Cosby’s name as well.

The National Monitor reported on Nov. 22 that at least 12 women have come forward with allegations against Cosby since last month. These allegations are continuing to cause rifts in his professional relationships and are effecting his success as a stand-up comedian.  On Monday, one-third of the tickets to his originally sold-out shows at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Westchester County, N.Y. has been returned for refunds.

NBC and Netflix have also halted any projects with Cosby and TV Land has stopped airing old episodes of The Cosby Show, according to NPR.  Cosby still strongly denies any wrongdoings.