A California high school principal has been sanctioned for dancing inappropriately before his students. Robert Nunes, Buhach Colony High School Principal, has been sent on administrative leave after an embarrassing video of him dancing at a school event emerged on social media.
The punishment came from the Merced Union High School District, which found his conduct disgraceful. “This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment,” said a spokesperson for the district, Viviana Fuentes, in a statement.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 16, 2024. However, his punishment was announced on Monday, August 19.
Why Was Buhach Colony High School Principal Robert Nunes Put on Leave?
Trouble began for Robert Nunes during a back-to-school rally in Atwater, California, 120 miles east of San Francisco. The video showed Nunes dancing suggestively in front of a mascot and the district students. Nunes had switched places with the mascot before he began the dance.
Nunes glided on an office chair while the mascot, Thor, walked towards him. He was dancing to the soundtrack of Ginuwine’s Pony. The video showed Nunes shooting confetti at the mascot before swapping positions with it. He then gyrated and danced down the mascot’s chest. In this instance, someone is heard asking him if he has anything to say.
He then collected the microphone and said to the students, “What happens in Buhach stays in Buhach.” Some students have explained on social media why Nunes made the statement. They explained that the rally was a Vegas-themed event. Hence, Nunes was referencing the popular Vegas slogan, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
However, the district authorities weren’t pleased with Robert Nunes’ performance. They view his conduct as irresponsible and careless, unbefitting of a public official, especially one who should be a role model of decency and comportment.
This is Nunes’ first year as the school’s principal. Previously, he worked as an associate principal at El Capitan and Atwater high schools, which are still part of the Merced district.
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A Parent Reposted the Video and Called It “Weird”
The video began to spread after one of the parents, Ryan Atberry, 33, posted it on his Facebook account. Atberry was one of those present at the rally who wasn’t impressed by Nunes’ behavior. The video then emerged on the account of the popular social media group LibsofTikTok.
Many social commentators condemned Robert Nunes’ dance, calling it highly indecent for a school principal. They likened it to a lap dance, which is a common feature at strip clubs. One comment under the LibsofTikTok’s post read, “A school principal should be a beacon of morality. This is a duty he accepts with the job.”
Another read, “Why? Is there no other way to show school spirit? This is repulsive.” Atberry admitted that he intended to share the video with other parents, saying,“‘Hey, man, like, this is what your kids see. You guys have the right to see it.’ That’s all it was for me.”
He clarified that he didn’t intend to get Nunes sanctioned and was surprised to learn that the district had placed the principal on leave. However, Atberry took the opportunity to condemn Robert Nunes’ actions. “For all I know, he’s a great guy, but at the same time, it doesn’t make it any less weird,” he said. Notably, Atberry is a parent of two children who attend the school.
Students Are Sticking Up for Robert Nunes
Atberry also expressed worry that the school students have been defending Robert Nunes. “There’s something to that,” he remarked. “Everybody’s saying he is [a good guy]. He probably is, and it’s probably just a bad joke,” he said while speaking with reporters.
“They’re like, ‘Oh, the students, that was all the students idea.’ And I’m like, ‘I know, but the fact that there wasn’t a red flag is a red flag in itself.’” “What’s weird is weird to me,” Atberry further stated.
“At the end of the day, I would feel super guilty if, five years from now, something came out and I could have said something.” Atberry believes the students were in charge of the principal’s display. “I’d rather just make sure these kids are cool,” he adds. “It was all weird, nonetheless.”
Not all parents found Nunes’ actions disturbing. One parent who spoke to journalists defended him. “I do believe that the kids liked the pep rally. They thought it was fun. I understand what they’re doing, but I think they’re are putting too much on him.”
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An Investigation Is Ongoing
The school district announced that it had begun an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson said, “The District is conducting a comprehensive review of the situation. While the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Nunes will not be participating in any school-related responsibilities or activities.”
The district’s statement also disclosed that until the case concludes, MUHSD Executive Director Torrin Johnson and Buhach Colony associate Principal David Rogers will replace Robert Nunes. Fuentes also stated that the district has barred Nunes from participating in any school-related activities before concluding their investigations.
If the investigation doesn’t go in his favor, Robert Nunes could face a number of disciplinary outcomes, including demotion. The Facebook video could also lead to Nunes’ dismissal, depending on how embarrassing the district sees it and the poor public perception it has attracted.
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