A high school principal in California has been placed on leave due to unconventional behaviour involving the school mascot. At Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, California, a back-to-school rally on Friday, August 16, featured students, parents, teachers, and staff. A father shared a video from the rally on social media, showing principal Robert Nunes in some questionable antics.
Ryan Attebery, whose 14-year-old son attends the school, posted a clip on Facebook of Nunes at the event. In the video, Nunes sits on an office chair in the gym while someone dressed as the school mascot, Thor, spins him around, wiggles, and Nunes sets off a handheld confetti cannon.
The principal then swaps places with the mascot, pushing them onto the chair, leaning over them, running off, and finally pushing the chair through a tunnel of students. During this, he grabs a microphone and shouts, “What happens at Buhach, stays at Buhach.”
Here is the viral video of Robert Nunes, the principal of Buhach Colony High School, in Atwater, California.
On Friday, Aug 16, during a back-to-school rally (themed around Las Vegas), Nunes was captured dancing suggestively with the school’s mascot to the song “Pony” by… pic.twitter.com/WqCyDzYc14
— Raptorexelic (@raptorexelic) August 22, 2024
Attebery captioned the video, “Am I a square or was this weird af for a principal to do?”
Although students confirmed the rally had a Las Vegas theme, the Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) decided to place Nunes on leave. MUHSD spokesperson Viviana Fuentes stated, “This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment. The District is conducting a comprehensive review of the situation. While the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Nunes will not be participating in any school-related responsibilities or activities.”
Attebery mentioned that many students are defending Nunes, saying he is a good person and it was likely just a bad joke. He added, “They’re like, ‘Oh, the students, that was all the students’ idea.’ And I’m like, ‘I know, but the fact that there wasn’t a red flag, is a red flag in itself’. I’d rather just make sure these kids are cool. It was all weird, nonetheless.”
MUHSD Executive Director Torrin Johnson and Buhach Colony associate principal David Rogers will serve as acting principals during the investigation.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports on Robert Nunes, a California principal placed on leave after a parent posted a video of him dancing inappropriately with the school’s mascot during a back-to-school rally. The incident sparked debates over the principal’s behavior and professionalism.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the principal of Buhach Colony High School placed on leave?
Principal Robert Nunes was placed on leave for engaging in ‘weird’ behavior with the school mascot during a back-to-school rally.
What did the video shared by Ryan Attebery show?
The video showed the principal and the school mascot engaging in antics like spinning in a chair and using a confetti cannon.
What was the theme of the rally where the incident occurred?
The rally had a theme of Las Vegas.
Who is managing the principal’s duties during the investigation?
MUHSD Executive Director Torrin Johnson and associate principal David Rogers are standing in as principal.
What did the MUHSD district spokesperson say about the situation?
The spokesperson stated the decision was made to maintain a safe and respectful environment and that a comprehensive review is ongoing.