The principal of Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, California, Robert Nunes, has been placed on administrative leave after a video of him dancing with a mascot at a back-to-school rally was posted by a parent on social media. In the video, Principal Nunes was seen running his hands down the mascot’s chest, sparking a debate over whether his behavior was inappropriate and unprofessional. The rally appeared to have a Las Vegas theme, with decorations of playing cards on the walls and a slogan of “what happens at Buhach stays at Buhach.” The Merced Union High School District took action in response to the video, but Nunes and the district have not yet commented on the situation.
Ryan Attebery, the parent who reposted the video and questioned the appropriateness of the principal’s actions, received a mixed reaction from the community. While some defended Nunes, others expressed concern about the behavior of an educator. Attebery stated that he felt there were red flags in the video and that, while others may not see an issue, he believed it was strange. His post sparked a discussion among former students and community members, with some expressing support for Nunes and claiming he was beloved in the local community. However, others found the behavior concerning and questioned the principal’s judgment.
Comments on Attebery’s Facebook post have continued to pour in, with some suggesting that a private conversation with Nunes would have been a more appropriate approach. Attebery agreed with this sentiment, indicating that he was not trying to cancel the principal but believed that parents had a right to know about the incident. Despite the controversy surrounding the video, there are individuals who have spoken out in defense of Nunes, highlighting his positive reputation among teachers, students, and coworkers. One commenter emphasized that Nunes was widely respected and loved in the community, urging Attebery to refrain from assuming bad intentions on the principal’s part.
The situation involving Principal Nunes has prompted discussions about professional conduct and appropriate behavior for educators, particularly in a school setting. While some may view the incident as harmless fun, others have raised concerns about the message it sends to students and the broader community. The decision to place Nunes on leave demonstrates the seriousness with which the school district is addressing the matter, although official statements from the principal and district have yet to be released. As the debate continues on social media, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact Nunes’s reputation and standing within the school community.
