Gym teacher charged with child abuse after forcing student to stand for Pledge of Allegiance, report says

A Colorado gym teacher accused of forcing a student to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance was reportedly charged with child abuse and assault Tuesday.

Karen Smith, who taught at Angevine Middle School in Lafayette, Colo., faces child abuse-recklessly with injury and third-degree assault charges, FOX31 reported, citing the Boulder District Attorney’s Office. She was released on Wednesday with a summons.

GYM TEACHER ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING STUDENT WHO REFUSED TO STAND FOR PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Smith was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month after she was accused of forcefully making a student stand for the Pledge of Allegiance by grabbing his jacket to pull him to his feet, officials said. Smith has been an employee with the Boulder Valley School District for 20 years.

Angevine Middle School Principal Mike Medina said in a previous statement the school was working with police. He added a substitute teacher will fill in for Smith.