Principal demoted after scandalous dance with mascot at Buhach Colony High

Robert Nunes, the principal of Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, California, was filmed engaging in a controversial dance with the school mascot during a pep rally. The incident, which occurred on August 19, led to Nunes being placed on administrative leave while the Merced Union High School District conducted an investigation. The video, which went viral, showed Nunes dancing provocatively to the song 'Pony' by Ginuwine, culminating in a series of questionable interactions with the mascot. Following the investigation, Nunes resigned from his principal position and accepted a demotion to associate principal. The school district emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for students and staff, indicating that corrective actions were taken regarding all staff involved in the incident. Torrin Johnson, the Executive Director of MUHSD, served as Interim Principal during Nunes' leave and will continue in that role until a permanent principal is appointed. The viral nature of the video sparked mixed reactions from the community. While some parents expressed concern over the appropriateness of Nunes' behavior, others defended him, stating that the students enjoyed the pep rally and found it entertaining. This division in opinion highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in balancing fun and professionalism. The Merced Union High School District plans to begin the search for a new permanent principal in spring 2025, as the fallout from this incident continues to resonate within the school community.