A high school principal is under fire after a video of a pep rally celebration went viral. Some say Buhach Colony High School Principal Robert Nunes was having a bit too much fun with the school's mascot during a dance to "Pony" by R&B singer Ginuwine. Many say the performance looked too much like a lap dance for a high school gym. After the footage went viral, Nunes ended up suspended.
Nunes, who works for the Merced Union High School District, was placed on administrative leave on August 19 following the incident three days earlier. The incident is under investigation and has caused ire among parents, some of whom are disturbed by what they saw and others who think it's being blown out of proportion.
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Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Ryan Attebery, a Buhach parent, shared a video of the incident with ABC 30. In the 40-second clip, Nunes is seen sitting in a rolling office chair in the gym. The school mascot comes toward him in what could be deemed a provocative way. With a sexually suggestive song playing in the background, it's easy to see why some people were alarmed.
At one point, Nunes changes places with the mascot.
After the mascot seems to be giving the principal what looks like an adults-only dance, the principal sprays confetti, then changes places and seems to return the favor.
"Could be a good dude. I don't know him, but I hear a lot of students sticking up for him," Attebery said, indicating he thinks this behavior is suspect.
The principal may have been trying to impress the students.
It's possible it was all in good fun, but many parents don't see it that way. Attebery was one of them.
"They say like, 'Oh, he's trying to be funny,' But like, if that's you trying to be funny, just don't be funny. Or he was trying to be cool with the kids, but that isn't cool," the father said.
Others think the video is no big deal.
Another parent who asked not to be identified told ABC 30 he supports the principal.
"I do not think that it's right how much of like that he's under such a huge investigation," the parent said.
He added, "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 putting too much on him."
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The school district isn't backing down.
In a statement to ABC 30, the Merced Union High School District confirmed that Nunes is on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation.
The statement reads in part, "This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. 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."
