Bill Cosby endowed professorship suspended by Spelman
ALLEN SULLIVAN/AP Entertainer Bill Cosby makes his way to the stage before addressing the audience at Spelman The high classes commencement exercises in 2006. The school cut ties with the comedian this week, announcing it was indefinitely suspending the William and Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Endowed Professorship. A historically black, liberal arts women’s the high classes in Atlanta is finally isolation itself from supporter Bill Cosby.
Spelman The high classes announced it was indefinitely suspending the William and Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Endowed Professorship, which was funded by a $ 20 million gift by the Cosbys in 1987, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
“The William and Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Endowed Professorship was established to bring positive attention and accomplished visiting scholars to Spelman The high classes in order to enhance our intellectual, cultural and creative life,” Spelman spokeswoman Audrey Arthur told the AJC. “The current context prevents us from continuing to meet these objectives fully. Consequently, we will suspend the program in anticipation of such time that the original goals can again be met.”
Spelman didn’t say whether it would exchange the name of its academic focal point, which also bears Cosby’s name.
Supermodel Beverly Johnson is the latest in a line of high profile women to step forward and accuse Cosby of drugging her in an attempt to prey upon her. Several women claim the iconic funnyman sexually assaulted them, allegations that date back decades.
W.A. HAREWOOD/ASSOCIATED PRESS Bill Cosby (l.) and Spelman The high classes head Dr. Beverly Tatum in 2006. The 77-year-ancient Cosby resigned from the Board of Trustees at alma mater Temple University earlier this month.
“I have always been proud of my association with Temple University,” Cosby said. “I have always wanted to do what would be in the best interest of the university and its students. As a result, I have tendered my resignation from the Temple University Board of Trustees.”
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