LAFAYETTE, Colo. -- The middle school teacher accused of forcefully making a student stand during the Pledge of Allegiance has been charged.
Karen Smith, a physical education teacher at Angevine Middle School in Lafayette, was charged on Tuesday with child abuse and third-degree assault for the alleged Feb. 1 incident.
According to the Lafayette Police Department, Smith is charged for forcefully making a student stand for the pledge by lifting him to his feet by his jacket and removing him from the classroom.
Smith is a 20-year veteran of the school district, according to Boulder Valley School District spokesman Randy Barber.
At the time, Angevine Middle School Principal Mike Medina sent a letter home to parents regarding the incident.
Part of the letter states, "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."
Barber says district policy allows for students to stand or sit for the Pledge of Allegiance.
On Tuesday afternoon, Smith was processed and released with a summons for her charges.
The district says Smith is currently on paid administrative leave.
