A high school principal in central California faces administrative leave following a video showing him dancing with the school mascot at a back-to-school rally. The Merced Union High School District announced Robert Nunes, principal of Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, was placed on leave effective 19 August.
This action responds to an incident at the rally on 16 August. “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,” said Viviana Fuentes, the school district’s communications director.
Fuentes mentioned that this step aligns with their commitment to a safe and respectful environment for students and staff. In a 40-second video posted on social media, Nunes sits in an office chair in the gym, pushing himself backward. The school’s mascot approaches seductively as “Pony” by Ginuwine plays, and students watch.
Robert Nunes, a California high school principal, has been suspended for “twerking” and giving an inappropriate dance with the school mascot at Buhach Colony High School.
“What happens at Buhach stays at Buhach,” is what he said when this occurred.
Do you think he should be… pic.twitter.com/rWGCYCz6vP
— Mrs Denosko🇺🇸 🌝 (@Denosko1) August 22, 2024
Nunes then fires a cannon full of gold confetti and swaps places with the mascot. The video shows Nunes placing his hands on the mascot’s chest and sliding them down. Several students join Nunes and the mascot, asking if he’d like to say anything. “What happens at Buhach stays at Buhach,” Nunes shouts to the cheering crowd before wheeling the mascot off the floor.
Comments on the video express mixed emotions. One person commented, “When the principal is every student’s ‘best friend’, the school is lost.” Another asked, “Why must everything be sexualized?” “This is truly disgusting behavior it has no place in a school,” wrote another.
Conversely, another person stated, “Lighten up. They’re having fun.” Fuentes said the school district will provide updates when appropriate, respecting the confidentiality of the investigation process.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Yahoo News reports that a California high school principal was placed on leave after leading a dance with a mascot at a rally, saying “What happens at Buhach, stays at Buhach.”(read more)
- KAKE News reports that a California high school principal, Robert Nunes, has been placed on administrative leave due to concerns over his inappropriate dance with the school’s mascot at a recent pep rally, sparking controversy among parents.(read more)
- Fox News reports that California high school principal Robert Nunes has been placed on administrative leave after a video surfaced showing him dancing inappropriately with the school mascot during a back-to-school rally.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the high school principal placed on administrative leave?
He was placed on leave due to an investigation into a video of him dancing inappropriately with the school’s mascot.
What did the high school principal do in the video?
In the video, he danced with the school’s mascot, including suggestive movements and touching the mascot’s chest.
When did the incident at the back-to-school rally happen?
What song was playing during the principal’s dance?
The song ‘Pony’ by Ginuwine was playing during the dance.
What has the school district said about the investigation?
The district is conducting a comprehensive review and will provide updates while respecting confidentiality.