Tim Richardson is facing criticism after a controversial picture of him in costume surfaced on the internet.

In the picture, Richardson is dressed as late R&B singer, Aretha Franklin, and his face is painted several shades darker for a Halloween party.

In a social media post, Abigail Thibeault wrote:

"Last week I went to a party and a man I’d never met was in black face as “urethra Franklin.” I was wrong because I did not confront him. He is an owner of @ShenandoahBikes and an adjunct professor @JMU. This is not okay and the community should know this happened."

Richardson formerly taught cycling classes at JMU and was affiliated with the campus' Rec Center. On Friday, Bill Wyatt, a spokesperson for the University, announced that JMU has cut all affiliation ties with Richardson.

"Mr. Richardson's conduct does not fit with the values here at James Madison University," said Wyatt. "We value diversity. We value a community where everybody feels welcomed, regardless of their ethnicity or background."

Steven Thomas, an organizer for NENA and co-founder of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham chapter of Coming to the Table, explained , why the action is historically offensive to the African American community.

"For over 100 years, it was used as a costume in American theater as a caricature of black people," said Thomas. "It was used to proliferate and spread stereotypes and negative images of black people. This just goes to show how far this community still has to go in terns of respecting people from all ethnicity and backgrounds."

Since the photo resurfaced, Richardson has apologized for his actions, claiming they were shameful and harmful.

"Nothing I can say can remedy the toxic harm that I, alone, have caused," said Richardson. "I have brought a shameful moment to the community, and I don't feel I necessary deserve anyone's forgiveness. I apologize specifically and generally to any individual community that I have directly or indirectly affected. I am truly sorry."

Steven and Richardson want this situation to be a teaching tool to prevent future incidents.

"We are going to make the space available for a true reconciliation process to involve the entire community," said Thomas. "We all make mistakes, but this is an opportunity to take advantage of this learning experience. We hope the that the entire community will get behind the effort of learning together and growing together."