Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway is calling for an external investigation into the women’s gymnastics program following allegations that the team’s coach, Umme Salim-Beasley, fostered a toxic culture of bullying and favoritism. Salim-Beasley currently holds her position as head coach but the athletics director Pat Hobbs abruptly resigned on Aug. 16 citing health issues. However, it was alleged that pleas for help by athletes were ignored by Hobbs as well as a possible inappropriate relationship.

Before Hobbs’ departure, Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday publicly confirmed that Rutgers was conducting an internal investigation over the possible “inappropriate, consensual relationship” he was having. Murphy called the allegations from current and former Rutgers gymnasts “really ugly and very disturbing.”

Some team members filed formal complaints but told NJ.com they believed Hobbs shut them down because he had a relationship with the coach.

In a letter obtained by NJ Advance Media, Holloway told the Rutgers Board of Governors, “Our learning environment depends upon the safety, health, and mental well-being of all our students, and the University strives in every aspect of our operations to foster an environment where our students can thrive. Rutgers Athletics shares this commitment. Whenever concerns or allegations arise about our support for students, the University investigates those concerns in accordance with our policies, the law, and, in the case of Athletics, our NCAA standards.”