The principal of a California high school was reportedly demoted from his job Thursday after a video went viral showing him inappropriately dancing with the school mascot during a school rally.
“What happens in Buhach stays in Buhach,” former principal Robert Nunes can be seen saying into a microphone, in reference to the saying “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” to cheers from students after his suggestive routine, the New York Post reported Thursday.
The man, who until recently served as principal at Buhach Colony Secondary School, has reportedly been on administrative leave since August 19, when footage of him performing a dance in front of students at a rally reportedly went viral.
In the video shared on August 18, he can be seen on a rolling chair backing away from the mascot’s advances, before popping a confetti stick at his hips.
Then, the director seems to invite the mascot to sit down in turn, before placing his hands on his chest while leaning towards his legs, before swaying his hips. He ends up leaving the stage by pushing the mascot.
The following day, the Merced Union School District reportedly opened an investigation into the incident, which resulted in the principal being demoted to assistant principal, the school district said Thursday, according to the U.S. media outlet.
“This decision is part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. Corrective measures have been taken with all affected staff,” he added to the “Post.”
Online, several parents applauded the school district’s decision, saying principals must “be held to a higher standard” to make schools “a safe place.”
“Lap dancing and confetti popping are extremely inappropriate behaviors for a principal and especially in a school. (…) My children have seen worse in movies or on the Internet, but this behavior should not be observed in schools,” hammered a mother on Instagram.
Others have instead come to the director’s defense.
“I don’t think it’s fair that he’s being investigated this extensively. I think the kids enjoyed the gathering. They thought it was fun. I understand what they’re doing, but I think they’re putting too much on him,” one anonymous parent told ABC30, according to the Post.
