For exercising their first amendment right to abstain from the pledge of allegiance, a child was allegedly attacked by a teacher who has since been suspended.

Lafayette, CO — Physical education teacher Karen Smith of Angevine Middle School is on paid administrative leave after she was accused of assaulting a student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

School administrators released a statement shortly after saying that a substitute teacher would be replacing Smith while the attack was being investigated.

"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. While I cannot share much information, following an incident today at school, Ms. Smith was placed on paid administrative leave. 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. Thank you for your patience and support. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns," the statement said.