California school principal Robert Nunes was suspended for an apparently inappropriate dance with his mascot at a pep rally – just days after the start of the new school year

The principal of a California high school was placed on leave on Monday after apparently dancing inappropriately with a mascot during a pep rally – just three days into the new school year.

According to Your Central Valley, Buhach Colony High School Principal Robert Nunes was filmed rolling in an office chair toward the school’s Viking mascot while R&B singer Ginuwine’s song “Pony” played during the 40-second video at Friday’s rally.

The dance section took a bizarre turn when Nunes fired golden confetti at the mascot, who also appeared to have danced provocatively seconds earlier.

The director then faces the mascot and they swap places on the office chair.

Nunes approaches and appears to place his hands on the mascot’s chest, then slides his hand across the figure’s chest before being surrounded by other excited students on the gym floor, according to a video obtained by the outlet.

“What happens in Buhach, stays in Buhach,” Nunes shouted into a microphone, alluding to the infamous saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

His answer sends the crowd into a frenzy, and the director is seen pushing the mascot out of the room in a wheelchair.

The principal’s behavior quickly made the rounds on social media over the weekend, prompting the Merced Union High School District to suspend Nunes while the case is investigated, district communications director Viviana Fuentes said in a statement to the news agency.

“This decision is part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff,” Fuentes said.

Nunes will also not be allowed to participate in any school-related tasks or activities while the district “conducts a comprehensive review of the situation,” the statement said.

The investigation is ongoing. Buhach Colony High School is located about 60 miles outside of Fresno, California.

The father of a Buhach Colony High School student, Ryan Attebery, told Your Central Valley that he was confused by Nunes’ behavior during the pep rally.

“I thought to myself: Did the kids know what was going on? Did everyone else understand?” Attebery said he asked his son.

“He said, ‘Everyone gets it, we all get it.’ And, you know, he’s a freshman, these are his first two or three days at school.”

According to Attebery’s son, the students organized the dance and the pep rally was themed “Las Vegas.”

Attebery said he subsequently shared the footage on social media because he had a bad feeling that other parents in the district might not know about the incident.

“Ultimately, I would feel super guilty if something came out in five years and I could have said something,” the worried father explained.

Attebery said the video has drawn mixed reactions online, with some believing the video that led to Nunes’ suspension was a victim of “cancel culture.”

“A lot of former students came forward and said, ‘Well, I actually liked him, what happened?’ I’m not a fan of cancel culture. I’m just saying, ‘Hey, parents, you have a right to know.'”

While Attebery and others are concerned about the principal’s behavior, other parents disagree with Nunes’ punishment

“I don’t think it’s right that he’s being investigated so heavily,” an anonymous parent told ABC30.

“I think the kids enjoyed the pep rally. They thought it was fun. I understand what they’re doing, but I think they’re asking too much of him.”