US Principal Demoted to Vice Principal After Performing 'Obscene Dance' in Front of Students

Mascot and Dance Performance at School Cheer Event
Some Say Vice Principal Demotion Is "Too Excessive a Punishment"

A high school principal in the United States was demoted to vice principal after performing an inappropriate dance in front of students. This disciplinary action has sparked controversy, with some arguing that the punishment was excessive.

On the 5th (local time), the New York Post and others reported that Merced Union High School in California placed Principal Robert Nunes on leave and demoted him to vice principal.

The school stated, "All staff involved in this incident have been subject to corrective measures," adding, "Until a new principal is officially appointed next year, Acting Principal Torin Johnson will be in charge of the school."

The controversy arose when Nunes danced with the school mascot at a school spirit event.

Principal Robert Nunes of Merced Union High School dancing with the mascot [Image source= SNS capture]

A video circulated on students' Instagram and other platforms showed Nunes performing a dance reminiscent of a strip dancer alongside the mascot to the song "Pony" by pop musician Ginuwine.

The mascot performed a hip-shaking routine in front of Nunes, who was seated in a chair, while Nunes scattered gold-colored confetti. Conversely, when the mascot sat in the chair, Nunes made a motion as if running his hand over the mascot's body.

Then Nunes loudly shouted, "What happens here stays here." This is a parody of the famous slogan created by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) to promote the city: "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas." It implies that things done in Las Vegas, which one normally wouldn't do, can remain secret.

After the video gained attention, Nunes was investigated by the school regarding the incident.

However, alongside criticism of Nunes' inappropriate behavior, there were also voices claiming that the disciplinary action he received was too harsh.

One parent said, "The kids liked the performance and thought it was fun," adding, "I understand, but it is not right for the principal to face such an excessive punishment."