The principal of Palo Alto High School reportedly decided to erase a campus mural painted by graduate James Franco after allegations of sexual misconduct were raised against the actor, writer and director.

The Paly Voice, the high school’s student newspaper, reported that workers began painting over Franco’s mural in the student center Monday at the direction of Principal Kim Diorio. The decision comes on the heels of five women accusing Franco of sexual misconduct and sexually exploitative behavior. Franco has denied these allegations.

The school’s most famous graduate still has multiple other paintings being shown on campus, though. Diorio told The Paly Voice she plans to leave them hanging for the time being.

“I made the decision we’ll take down the mural on the student center, because I think that’s the one that’s most visible to the outside community,” Diorio told The Paly Voice.

Accusations against Franco have come out as the widespread #MeToo movement calls attention to sexual assault, harassment and misogyny in American culture, regardless of the industry.

Diorio told The Paly Voice that she has been struggling with how to treat Franco’s campus artwork, as he has not been found guilty of any crimes or indecent behavior.

“These are still allegations,” Diorio told The Paly Voice. “I can’t even say it [the decision to replace the mural] is based on fact, because he’s denied those allegations and hasn’t been charged with a crime.”

Diorio, along with the superintendent of Palo Alto Unified School District, did not respond to requests for comment from The Chronicle.

Franco graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1996 and loaned his paintings to the school in 2014. He also taught a weekend film class during the 2015-2016 school year, according to The Paly Voice.

A publicist for Franco did not respond to requests for comment on the mural’s removal.

Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney