In a surprising turn of events, Robert Nunes, the principal of Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, CA, has stepped down following a viral incident during a back-to-school rally. The incident, which involved Nunes dancing with the school mascot, sparked significant controversy and led to an investigation by the Merced Union High School District (MUHSD).
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began on Aug. 16, when a video surfaced showing Nunes dancing with the school mascot, Thor, during a rally. As Ginuwine’s upbeat track “Pony” played in the background, Nunes threw off his sunglasses and popped a confetti cannon, mimicking the mascot’s dance moves. This performance, however, was met with backlash from the community, with many likening his actions to a lap dance typically seen in adult entertainment venues.
Administrative Leave and Investigation
Following the incident, Nunes was placed on administrative leave while MUHSD investigated his behavior. The investigation concluded with Nunes resigning from his role as principal, effective Sept. 5. He will, however, remain at Buhach Colony High School in a new capacity as associate principal.
Community Reaction
The video, recorded by a 14-year-old freshman, caught the attention of many, including the student’s father, Ryan Attebery. He expressed his shock over the incident, particularly regarding the confetti moment, and questioned whether it was appropriate for a principal to behave in such a manner. Attebery shared the video on social media, prompting further discussion about the appropriateness of Nunes’ actions.
While some community members have criticized Nunes, others have defended him. Students from schools where Nunes previously worked described him as a good person, suggesting that the incident may have been a misguided attempt at humor.
Moving Forward
MUHSD has stated that the decision to accept Nunes’ resignation was made to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. Torrin Johnson, who served as interim principal during Nunes’ leave, will continue in that role until a permanent principal is appointed. The search for a new principal will begin in Spring 2025.
