US teacher facing charges after allegedly dragging child out of seat during Pledge of Allegiance

  • 15/02/2018
US teacher facing charges after allegedly dragging child out of seat during Pledge of Allegiance
Photo credit: Lafayette police

A US teacher is facing assault charges after allegedly dragging a child out of his seat and into the hallway when he chose to sit for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Police were called to the Angevine Middle School in Colorado on February 1 after the alleged incident, the BBC reports.

The local school board has since confirmed gym teacher Karen Smith has been placed on administrative leave.

Lafayette police say Ms Smith grabbed the boy by his jacket, lifted him to his feet and pulled him out of the class when he did not stand for the pledge.

She is now facing charges for child abuse - reckless and with injury - as well as third degree assault.

A parent at the school told local media Ms Smith was known for being "strict" but she had not had an issue before.

Federal law allows students to sit during the pledge and local school officials say students can choose whether to say the pledge seated or standing.

The school told parents: "[We] are co-operating with the District Attorney's Office and respect their decision on this matter."

Newshub.