Principal dancing with mascot at Atwater school on administrative leave
ATWATER, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A principal with a Merced Union High School District who was seen on video dancing seemingly inappropriately with the high school mascot at a back-to-school rally has been placed on administrative leave.
In a statement, the Merced Union High School District says Robert Nunes was placed on administrative leave on Monday – following the incident on Friday.
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“This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff,” writes the district’s Director of Communications Viviana Fuentes.
In the video, which was posted to social media and lasts around 40 seconds, then Buhach Colony High School Principal Robert Nunes can be seen in the center of a school gymnasium on an office chair pushing himself backward while the school’s mascot is approaching him and the song “Pony” by artist Ginuwine plays.
The principal then fires gold confetti at the mascot, stands up and faces off with the mascot. The mascot then sits down on the chair while Nunes approaches him – before placing his hands on the mascot’s chest and sliding them down the mascot’s chest.
A crowd of students then joins the two at the center of the gymnasium and someone asks Nunes if he has any words.
“What happens at Buhach stays at Buhach,” Nunes tells the cheering crowd. Nunes then wheels the mascot out of the room.
In their statement, the Merced Union High School District says their staff will be “conducting a comprehensive review of the situation” adding that Robert Nunes will not be taking part in any school-related responsibilities or activities while the investigation is ongoing.
In the meantime, Executive Director Torrin Johnson and Associate Principal David Rogers will serve as the Acting Principals of Buhach Colony High School.
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