Howard University dean Phylicia Rashad apologizes to students after voicing support for Bill Cosby's release

Howard University's dean of fine arts and former actress Phylicia Rashad apologized to students and parents on Friday for voicing her support for Bill Cosby's release from prison, according to an email obtained by CBS News. Cosby was released on Wednesday after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his sexual assault conviction. 

"This week, I tweeted a statement that caused so much hurt in so many people - both broadly and inside the Howard community," wrote Rashad, who played Cosby's wife on "The Cosby Show." "I offer my most sincere apology. I have since removed that upsetting tweet." Multiple Howard students confirmed to CBS News that they received the email.  "I am sorry," she added. "I intend to earn your trust and your forgiveness."