Principal of Atwater school steps down after viral video

ATWATER, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A principal of an Atwater high school has resigned after being placed on administrative leave following a video that was posted on social media, the Merced Union High School District announced.

On Wednesday afternoon, the district says they have accepted the resignation of Robert Nunes from the position of principal at the Buhach Colony High School. They say Nunes has accepted the position of associate principal instead and it will be effective on Thursday.

This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. Corrective action has been taken with all staff involved. Thank you for your understanding during this transition.

Merced Union High School District

This comes after Nunes was placed on leave following an incident back in August in which he was seen in a 40-second video.

In the video, the former principal can be seen in the center of the school gymnasium on an office chair pushing himself backward while the school’s mascot is approaching him. He then fired gold confetti at the mascot, stood up and faced off with the mascot.

The mascot 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.

During his leave, Torrin Johnson served as interim principal, which the district says will continue until they open the principal position in the spring of 2025 to secure a permanent principal.

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