A California high school principal resigned Thursday and was later demoted to vice principal after he was filmed performing an immoral dance with the school mascot at a pep rally.
Robert Nunez, who was placed on administrative leave after the video went viral, resigned from his top job at Buhac Colony High School in Atwater and was instead taken on a position as assistant principal, the Merced Union High School District said in a statement.
“This decision was made as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff,” the Merced Union High School District told The Washington Post. “All staff members involved have taken corrective measures.”
Torin Johnson Executive Director, MUHSDHe served as interim principal while Nunez was on leave and will remain in that role until further notice. The district plans to begin hiring a full-time principal to fill the position in spring 2025.
Nunez was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 19 while he was under investigation by the Merced Union High School District for his conduct after a video of him dancing with a mascot in front of cheering students went viral.
In the footage, Nunes can be seen sitting in an office chair and rolling towards the school's Vikings mascot to the tune of R&B singer Ginuwine's song “Pony.” Central Valley.
The dance scene took a bizarre turn when Nunes shot gold confetti at the mascot, who had also appeared to be dancing provocatively seconds earlier.
In the clip, the principal stands opposite the mascot and they swap seats on their office chairs.
Nunes appears to approach him and place his hand on the mascot's chest, according to video obtained by the outlet. He then slides his hand down the character's chest before being surrounded by other excited students on the gym floor.
“What happens in Buhaci stays in Buhaci,” Nunes shouted into the microphone, a play on the infamous saying, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
The crowd went wild at his remarks, and the principal was then seen putting the mascot on a chair and pushing it out of the classroom.
However, what he said was not true, as the video went viral and not everyone was impressed with the dance moves, leading some to question whether Nunes' actions were appropriate.
Others did not find his actions offensive.
“I don't think it's right that he's under such extensive investigation,” said the anonymous parent. ABC30.
“I think the kids loved the pep rally. They seemed to enjoy it. I understand what they're doing, but I think they're putting too much strain on him.”
