The high school principal of Buhach Colony High School in California, Robert Nunes, was placed on administrative leave after a video circulated on social media showing him dancing inappropriately with the school’s Viking mascot during a pep rally at the beginning of the school year. The video captured Nunes rolling towards the mascot in an office chair while the song “Pony” by Ginuwine played. Nunes then fired gold confetti at the mascot, danced provocatively with him, and pushed him out of the room on the rolling chair, all while students cheered in the background.
The behavior of the principal quickly gained attention online, leading to the Merced Union High School District suspending Nunes while they conduct an investigation into the matter. The district’s Director of Communications, Viviana Fuentes, stated that the decision was made to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. Nunes is currently prohibited from participating in any school-related duties or activities while the investigation is ongoing, and the district is conducting a comprehensive review of the situation.
The incident at Buhach Colony High School has sparked mixed reactions from parents and community members. While some, like father Ryan Attebery, are concerned about the principal’s behavior and felt compelled to share the footage on social media, others believe that Nunes is being unfairly targeted. Attebery’s son, who is a freshman at the school, mentioned that the students were aware of the dance performance and that it was part of a Las Vegas-themed pep rally organized by the students.
Despite the varying opinions on the situation, the district continues to investigate the incident to determine the appropriate actions to take regarding Nunes. Some parents, like an anonymous parent interviewed by ABC30, feel that the principal is facing an excessive amount of scrutiny and that the students enjoyed the pep rally. However, others, including Attebery, believe that it is important for parents to be informed about what occurred and that transparency is necessary in these situations to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all those involved.
The investigation into the principal’s behavior at Buhach Colony High School remains ongoing, and the district is committed to addressing the situation in a thorough and appropriate manner. The incident has raised questions about appropriate conduct at school events and the responsibilities of school staff in ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for students. As the community waits for the outcome of the investigation, discussions around accountability, respect, and communication between school administration, students, and parents continue to emerge. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and supported in their educational environment.
