Vandebilt Catholic High School investigating reported racist bullying incident

Vandebilt Catholic High officials said they are investigating a reported racist bullying incident that occurred in the Houma school's cafeteria.

A video of the incident surfaced Wednesday on social media showing a white male student throwing cotton at a Black male student who is seated in the cafeteria. The white student then whips the Black student with what appears to be a small belt.

Vandebilt officials said they are aware of the video and are “working to determine its origin.”

“School officials are working in cooperation with diocesan officials, students and parents to investigate this matter and are committed to ensuring that all individuals involved are held accountable in accordance with school policies,” the school said.

Vandebilt Catholic President Jeremy Gueldner said the school does not tolerate bullying or racism.

“Our mission focuses on the spiritual and academic development of every student," he said Thursday. "We work to create a sanctuary where every student feels safe, valued, and welcomed. These core values were reemphasized and stressed in a school assembly with our faculty and students this morning.”

The parents of the victim in the incident, Robert and Brandi Sandolph, also issued a joint statement thanking the community for its support.