Jun 30, 2016 09:54 AM EDT By Vinay Patel, UniversityHerald Reporter

The University of Connecticut on Wednesday revoked an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby, citing the actor's involvement in conduct contradictory to the values of the university.

The move comes after UConn trustees unanimously voted to revoke the honorary doctorate of fine arts degree that was awarded to "The Cosby Show" star in 1996, also marking the first time the university that serves over 30,000 students across six campuses, revoked an honorary degree, Hartford Courant reported.

The history-making vote followed a plea to the trustees from the president of UConn's student government, Daniel Byrd.

According to Byrd, the actor does not deserve distinction from a prestigious university such as UConn.

Since about 2000, Cosby has faced publicized sexual assault allegations. He has been accused by more than 50 women of sexual misconduct, child sexual abuse, sexual battery, drug facilitated sexual assault and rape.

In December, the comedian was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his residence almost a dozen years ago.

This was the first criminal charge brought against Cosby which triggered a torrent of accusations. In a 2005 testimony, Cosby admitted that he obtained drugs to give to women in a bid to have sexual activities with them.

The decision, according to Byrd comes in the wake of UConn continuing its fight against sexual assault.

The 78-year-old actor however denied allegations that state he molested several women over five decades, US News reported.

Cosby is charged criminally in relation to accusations by one woman and also faces lawsuits by many others, including numerous Massachusetts-based women.

Several US universities and colleges have either declared Cosby's honorary degrees null and void or are in consideration of doing so.

According to the resolution passed by UConn, the university understands and respects the standard of due process, and Mr. Cosby will have the right to a public and fair trial on the accusations against him.

Nevertheless, the conduct which the actor admitted in his sworn testimony, gives UConn compelling reasons to consider the revocation of his honorary degree.

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