Teacher who attended Capitol protest 'temporarily relieved of his teaching duties'

Allentown, Pennsylvania School District Superintendent Thomas Parker in a Thursday message noted that a teacher who attended the protest at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday had been relieved of duty until the district performs an investigation.

"On January 7, 2021, the Allentown School District (ASD) was made aware of a staff member who was involved in the electoral college protest that took place at the United States Capitol Building on January 6, 2021," the written message from the Pennsylvania school district's superintendent said. 

"We understand that many members of our community are upset by the image. At the same time, the district has an obligation to respect the First Amendment rights of our staff and students," the message noted. "Because of the emotion and controversy stirred by the events of January 6, 2021, the teacher has been temporarily relieved of his teaching duties until the School District can complete a formal investigation of his involvement."

A swarm of people on Wednesday breached the U.S. Capitol building, temporarily interrupting the work of Congress.