The story of a female Boulder County middle school gym teacher who allegedly assaulted a male student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance went viral over the weekend.

National news sources from MSNBC to Fox News – and USA Today to Newsweek – had takes on the incident that went down Thursday at Angevine Middle School in Lafayette.

Though Boulder Valley School District policy allows students to choose to sit or stand during the pledge, gym teacher Karen Smith, a 20-year employee of the district, apparently took exception.

What happened next hasn’t been fully disclosed, but cops were called and Smith was put on paid leave pending the outcome of an investigation. No charges were immediately filed.

CBS4’s Jamie Leary obtained a message Angevine Principal Mike Medina sent to parents:

Dear Angevine Middle School Families,

I hope everyone is having a good evening.

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.

Sincerely,

Mike MedinaPrincipalAngevine Middle School