Buhach Colony High School principal Robert Nunes found himself in the spotlight after a back-to-school rally took a controversial turn. What began as a seemingly fun event with Nunes dancing alongside the school mascot, Thor, quickly escalated into a situation that left the community divided. The incident, which took place on Friday, Aug. 16, was captured on video and shared widely, leading to Nunes being placed on administrative leave.
On Monday, Aug. 19, just two days after the rally, Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) took action. “This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment,” district spokesperson Viviana Fuentes said in a statement, confirming that Nunes would be on administrative leave while the district conducted a comprehensive investigation. During the investigation, MUHSD Executive Director Torrin Johnson stepped in as interim principal.
The video that sparked the controversy was shared by Ryan Attebery, a parent of a Buhach Colony student. Attebery posted the footage with the caption, “Am I a square or was this weird af for a principal to do,” and it quickly gained traction online. The video showed Nunes dancing with the mascot, but what some saw as a harmless joke, others found unsettling.
Attebery, who intended to bring attention to the event, told PEOPLE, “I posted the video because I wanted other parents to see what their kids were seeing. It was never meant to be anything more than that.” Despite the growing debate, many students from Nunes’ former schools spoke out in his defense, describing him as a good-natured educator. “Everybody’s saying he is [a good guy]. He probably is, and it’s probably just a bad joke,” Attebery said. “But at the same time, it doesn’t make it any less weird.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 4, MUHSD announced that Nunes had officially resigned as principal of Buhach Colony High School, effective Thursday, Sept. 5. However, Nunes would remain at the school, taking on the role of associate principal. The district also confirmed that corrective action had been taken with all staff involved, stating, “This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff.”
The position of principal will remain open until Spring 2025, as the school seeks a permanent replacement. In the meantime, Johnson will continue to serve as interim principal while the district navigates the aftermath of the controversy.