California high school principal placed on leave after video of inappropriate dance with mascot surfaced

The principal of a central California high school has been placed on leave pending an investigation into a video showing him dancing with the school's mascot during a back-to-school rally that some called inappropriate.

The Merced Union High School District told Fox News Digital in a statement that Robert Nunes, principal of Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, is on leave effective August 19.

The district said the move was in response to an incident at the back-to-school rally on August 16.

“The district is conducting a comprehensive review of the situation. While the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Nunes will not participate in any school-related duties or activities,” Viviana Fuentes, the school district's communications director, said in the statement.

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Fuentes added that this decision was made as part of their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff.

In the nearly 40-second video posted on social media, Nunes is seen sitting on an office chair in the middle of the gym floor, leaning backwards as the school's mascot approaches him seductively while Ginuwine's song “Pony” plays in front of the students.

Nunes then fires a cannon full of golden confetti and switches places with the mascot.

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The principal of a California high school was placed on leave on Monday after apparently dancing inappropriately with a mascot during a back-to-school rally. (Ryan Attebery/@recklessmma/TMX)

The video then shows Nunes placing his hands on the mascot's chest and sliding them down the mascot.

Several students join Nunes and the mascot on the floor and ask him if he would like to say something.

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A daring dance with the mascot at a school rally results in the principal of a California high school being placed on leave for the duration of the investigation. (Ryan Attebery/@recklessmma/TMX)

“What happens in Buhach stays in Buhach,” Nunes shouts to the cheering crowd before rolling the mascot off the ground.

Several people commented on the video with mixed feelings about the dance.

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Robert Nunes, the principal of a California high school, was placed on leave after a video went viral of him dancing inappropriately with the school's mascot at a back-to-school rally. (Ryan Attebery/@recklessmma/TMX)

“If the principal is every student's 'best friend', the school is doomed,” one commented.

“Why does everything have to be sexualized?” asked another.

“This is truly disgusting behavior and has no place in a school,” wrote another person.

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However, another person disagreed, writing: “Relax. They're having fun.”

Fuentes said the school district will provide updates as needed while maintaining the confidentiality of the investigation process.