MERCEDES, California. – As schools begin to reopen, a Central Valley principal has been benched after taking part in a controversial performance.

Robert Nunes, the principal of Buhach Colony High School, was placed on leave after a video surfaced showing him and the school’s mascot reenacting a lap dance, sparking heated protests within the school community.

The video shows Nunes sitting on a chair being twirled around by the mascot. Nunes, wearing sunglasses, takes them off, tosses them aside and sets off a confetti cannon as the mascot dances toward and around him.

The two eventually switch places, with Nunes performing similar actions while the mascot remains seated.

The dance took place Friday as part of the high school’s Back to School rally. Nunes’ leave of absence took effect Monday.

The video was taken by Ryan Attebery’s son, a 14-year-old freshman at the school. Attebery says the caption his son had for the video caught his attention and prompted him to take a closer look.

Attebery says he likes to joke and never takes things seriously, so such a situation deeply disturbed him.

He pointed out the “confetti moment” of the dance.

“What’s weird is weird,” Attebery told KTVU.

Some students told Attebery that Nunes was a good man and that he had heard great things about him.

“If he is what everyone says he is, then I hope he gets his job back,” Attebery said.

Regardless, he demanded that Nunes be held accountable for his actions.

“If students did the same thing at school, they would be suspended,” he said.

People commented on the video, calling it “crazy” and “incredibly funny.”

“(People) can’t distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, or what is appropriate for a school event,” one commenter said.

However, not everyone agreed with the resistance and defended Nunes.

“Apparently you’re not allowed to have fun as a teacher,” said another commenter.

Regarding these feelings, Nunes said, “If it’s not that big of a deal, do the same thing around kids and teenagers, make a video and post it.”

Towards the end of the performance, a speaker could be heard saying: “What happens in Buhach stays in Buhach.”

According to the Merced Sun-Star, the speaker was Nunes himself.

According to the newspaper, the school’s pep rally had the theme “Vegas.”

It is unclear whether the mascot costume was worn by a faculty or staff member or a student.

The Merced Union High School District said in a statement that the “incident” is under investigation and that Nunes will not participate in any school-related activities or duties in the meantime.

“This decision is part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff,” said Viviana Fuentes, the district’s communications director.

Executive Principal Torrin Johnson and Assistant Principal David Rogers will serve as interim principals of Buhach Colony High School while Nunes is on leave.