A high school principal in California resigned from his position after a video surfaced of him dancing scandalously with the school mascot during a pep rally, resulting in a demotion to associate principal. The principal, Robert Nunes, stepped down from his role at Buhach Colony High School in Atwater and accepted the associate principal position instead. The Merced Union High School District, where Nunes worked, stated that the decision was made to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff, and corrective action had been taken with all staff involved.
The school district appointed Torrin Johnson as the Interim Principal while Nunes was on leave, and they will begin the process of hiring a permanent principal for the school in spring 2025. Nunes was put on administrative leave on August 19 while the district conducted an investigation into his conduct following the viral video of him dancing with the mascot in front of students. In the footage, Nunes was rolling himself toward the mascot in an office chair to the song “Pony” by R&B singer Ginuwine. The dance took a bizarre turn when Nunes fired off gold confetti at the mascot and then switched places with the costume character in the chair.
As the video circulated online, Nunes could be seen placing his hands on the mascot’s chest and sliding them down before being surrounded by excited students on the gym floor. Nunes shouted into a mic, “What happens at Buhach stays at Buhach,” prompting cheers from the crowd, followed by pushing the mascot out of the room on the rolling chair. While some found the performance entertaining and harmless, others questioned the appropriateness of the principal’s behavior and whether it set a good example for the students. Despite Nunes’ attempt to keep the incident contained within the school, it became a subject of public scrutiny and criticism.
The controversy surrounding Nunes’ behavior led to a division of opinions among the school community, with some parents defending him and others expressing concerns over the appropriateness of his actions. An anonymous parent told ABC30 that they did not believe Nunes deserved the level of scrutiny he was facing, as the students appeared to enjoy the pep rally and found it fun. However, the reaction online was mixed, with some finding the principal’s behavior inappropriate for someone in his position of authority. The situation highlighted the challenges that school administrators face in balancing being relatable and engaging with students while maintaining professional boundaries and expectations.
Ultimately, the aftermath of the video led to Nunes resigning from his position as principal and accepting a lower-ranking role within the school. The decision was made to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff, and to address any concerns raised by the community. While the incident brought unwanted attention to the school and its leadership, it also sparked a conversation about appropriate behavior and conduct among educators. As the school district moves forward in hiring a new permanent principal, they will aim to find a candidate who can lead with integrity and professionalism, while also connecting with students in a positive and appropriate manner.
