Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. is taking “an indefinite leave of absence” from his positions at the evangelical college in Virginia after he recently posted a controversial photo on Instagram.

“The Executive Committee of Liberty University’s Board of Trustees, acting on behalf of the full Board, met today and requested that Jerry Falwell, Jr. take an indefinite leave of absence from his roles as President and Chancellor of Liberty University, to which he has agreed, effective immediately,” a statement on the university’s website said Friday.

The now-deleted photo shows Falwell in a yacht with his pants unzipped and his arm around a woman that is not his wife.

Falwell apologized for the photo on Wednesday during an interview with a Virginia radio station, saying it was "just in good fun." He claimed the woman in the photo is his wife’s assistant.

“I’m gonna try to be a good boy from here on out,” Falwell said.

The post drew backlash, with one prominent Republican lawmaker calling for Falwell to step down. Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., a minister with ties to Liberty University, called Falwell’s behavior “appalling.”

“Jerry Falwell Jr’s ongoing behavior is appalling. As a Music Faculty Advisory Board Member and former instructor @LibertyU, I’m convinced Falwell should step down,” Walker tweeted on Thursday. “None of us are perfect, but students, faculty, alumni and @LUPraise deserve better.”

Liberty University has strict rules for its students, banning R-rated movies and sex outside of marriage. Falwell, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, has served as the president of the university since 2007.

Falwell’s father, Jerry Falwell Sr., founded Liberty University in 1971. Falwell Sr. was a Southern Baptist pastor and conservative activist who mobilized evangelicals in favor of Republican politicians such as Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

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