Colorado Police said Saturday they were investigating an allegation that a middle school gym teacher — known for being "strict" — assaulted a student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Boulder Valley School District officials identified the teacher as Karen Smith, a 20-year employee who teaches physical education, CBS Denver reports.
Smith was placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. The student was not identified and no charges have been filed.
According to the report, Smith allegedly assaulted the student Thursday at Angevine Middle School in Lafayette, about 22 miles north of downtown Denver.
District spokesman Randy Barber said that students could sit or stand for the pledge.
"I am reaching out to you tonight to let you know that we will have a substitute teacher working with some of our PE classes for the time being," Angevine Principal Mike Medina told parents in a letter sent with students Thursday.
"While I cannot share much information, following an incident today at school, Ms. Smith was placed on paid administrative leave," he said. "We are working closely with our partners at the Lafayette Police department.
"We believe in due process and therefore ask that everyone respect Ms. Smith’s privacy at this time.
"We are dedicated, as always, to supporting our students and ensuring that we have qualified educators working with them during their physical education time," Medina said.
One parent told CBS Denver that her daughter knew Smith as a "strict" teacher, while two other parents said the incident was being "blown out of proportion" and expressed disappointment.
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