High School Principal Suspended Indefinitely After Video Of Inappropriate Dance With School Mascot Goes Viral

In a small town like Atwater, California, high school events don’t typically make headlines—until they do. And when Buhach Colony High School’s new principal, Robert Nunes, decided to bust a move with the school mascot during a back-to-school rally, it wasn’t the kind of headline he was hoping for.

When it comes to school rallies, everyone expects a bit of excitement—cheerleaders, school spirit, and maybe even a fun mascot doing its usual goofy routine. But what happens when the school principal steps into the spotlight and takes things a little too far? 

That’s precisely what happened when Robert Nunes found himself in hot water after a questionable dance with the school mascot during a back-to-school rally.

The incident, which took place on Friday, August 16th, was all set to be a memorable kickoff for the new school year. Students gathered with high expectations for a fun and spirited event, and for the most part, they got just that. 

However, when Nunes decided to swap places with Thor, the school’s beloved mascot, things took a turn for the unexpected. What was meant to be a harmless, Vegas-themed rally quickly turned into a viral sensation after a video surfaced showing the principal dancing suggestively in front of the entire student body.

What happens at Buhach stays at Buhach… or does it?

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By Monday, August 19th, the Merced Union High School District had placed Nunes on administrative leave, pending a comprehensive review of the situation. The district spokesperson, Viviana Fuentes, emphasized the importance of maintaining a "safe and respectful environment" at all times—a standard that many felt had been compromised during the rally. 

In the meantime, Nunes was relieved of his duties, with the district’s Executive Director, Torrin Johnson, and Buhach Colony’s associate principal, David Rogers, stepping in as acting principals.

In a related commentary, Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist known for her work on motivation, points out that the enthusiasm of school leaders can inspire students, but it must be balanced with responsibility. Dweck explains that behavior that seems harmless in the moment can lead to significant consequences, including loss of respect and credibility.

She recommends that schools implement guidelines for appropriate conduct during events to prevent missteps. By establishing clear expectations, educators can promote a culture of accountability while still encouraging spirited participation.

Buhach Colony High School—Home of the most talked-about rally of the year

Buhach Colony High School

The video, which was shared on Facebook by Ryan Attebery, the father of a 14-year-old student at the school, quickly gained attention. Attebery captioned the post with, "Am I a square, or was this weird AF for a principal to do?" It turns out he wasn’t the only one who felt that way. 

The footage captured Nunes' dance and his subsequent exclamation of "What happens at Buhach, stays at Buhach," sparking a mix of reactions. While some students defended Nunes, suggesting it was just a bad joke gone wrong, others, including parents, were left wondering if the principal had crossed a line.

What’s next for Buhach Colony High after the principal’s viral dance video?

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Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, a renowned education expert, emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in school environments. He argues that principals and educators should model appropriate behavior to foster a positive school culture. When leaders engage in questionable conduct, it can undermine their authority and disrupt the trust built within the community.

This incident serves as a reminder that school leaders must navigate their roles with professionalism, ensuring that activities remain within the bounds of decorum. Sahlberg suggests regular training on professional ethics for educators to prevent similar situations in the future.

Attebery, who never intended to spark such controversy, explained that he shared the video simply to inform other parents of what their children were witnessing at school. 

While many of Nunes' former students have come to his defense, insisting he’s a good person who made a poor decision, the situation has left the school community divided.

In the end, the real question is why the dance didn’t raise any eyebrows in the first place. As Attebery wisely pointed out, "The fact that there wasn't a red flag is a red flag in itself." 

Sometimes, trying to be the "cool" principal can backfire. Now everyone involved is left to pick up the pieces of a situation that was, as one parent put it, "all weird."

The aftermath of this viral incident highlights the necessity for school leaders to reflect on their actions and the influence they hold over students. Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, reminds us that leaders are often seen as role models, and their missteps can have ripple effects throughout the school community.

To mitigate such issues in the future, a proactive approach involving clear policies and guidelines can create a safer environment. Regular workshops on appropriate behavior and ethical leadership can help prevent future incidents, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for both staff and students.