San Juan, Oct 1 (IANS/EFE): The principal of a primary school in the western Puerto Rican town of Aguada was suspended for cross-dressing as the late Spanish singer Rocio Jurado during a school party.

Education Secretary Jesus Rivera said Friday that Edwin Cruz will remain suspended until after the investigation is concluded of an episode now on the front pages of local newspapers.

The incident, which Rivera described as "regrettable", took place during school hours on Teachers' Day at the Manuel Morales Feliciano elementary school.

"I dressed up like a woman, I played the part and sang a Rocio Jurado song," Cruz said in a statement published in the Friday edition of Primera Hora.

"I called the activity something like 'The Stars and the Oscars'," said Cruz, who had already announced his intention to appeal the suspension because he considers it unjust.

Primera Hora said that Cruz's portrayal of Rocio Jurado was part of an activity erotic in nature.

The daily said that Cruz bought women's underwear and ordered his teaching staff to dress as the opposite sex to complete the performance.

Several teachers, according to the newspaper, undertook legal action against the principal for the harassment they suffered at work after refusing to take part in the performance.