The University of Massachusetts-Amherst no longer wants to be associated with its most famous alumnus, Bill Cosby. The said decision comes after multiple women went public with allegations of sexual assault and rape against the iconic comedian.

University spokesman Edward Blaguszewski shared with The Boston Globe that officials from the school have asked Cosby to step down as honorary co-chairman of a US$300 million fundraising campaign. Cosby was said to have agreed to leave his post.

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The university's decision to ask Cosby to leave was prompted by a letter penned by Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley to the university, asking the institution to sever its ties with the performer.

In the said letter, Coakley wrote, "At a time when the state is focused on prevention and response to sexual assaults on campus, allowing Mr. Cosby to continue to represent our state university sends the exact wrong message. Although Mr. Cosby has not been criminally charged nor convicted for these actions, the UMass community has discretion to determine who should be the 'face' of the university at any time.

She said that the allegations are disturbing, and have come from an overwhelmingly large number of women; so even though his guilt is not confirmed, Cosby should no longer have any role in the university as his association with it tarnishes the institution's image. She also pointed out that the comedian is still unable to give a response regarding the issues that would satisfy the university.

In the 1970s, the comedian received both his postgraduate and doctorate degree in education from the said university.

According to The Boston Globe, Cosby and his wife Camille have donated anywhere between US$250,000 and US$499,999 to the school.

The comic also performed in 2004 at a benefit event for the school, wherein he was able to raise US$1.5 million for the educational institution.