A sixth grade student claimed he was dragged from his desk by his teacher for sitting down during the pledge of allegiance during his first week of school.

When Stone Chaney opted out of standing for the pledge last Thursday, he said his homeroom teacher at East Middle School in Farmington Hills, Michigan became violent.

“The teacher consultant comes up behind me and snatches me out of my chair violently,” Chaney told WDIV Detroit. “I was so confused. I didn’t know what was going on.”

He said the teacher attempted to force him to stand during the pledge. The following day, a similar incident occurred. Chaney claims another school teacher yelled at the student for sitting during the pledge.

“I don’t stand because I don’t pledge to a flag,” he told WDIV. “I pledge to God and family.”

“I don’t feel safe going to that school anymore because I don’t know what they’re going to do next,” he continued.

A statement from the superintendent of the Farmington Hills Public School District said the teacher who assaulted the sixth grader has been placed on administrative leave. The student hasn’t returned to the school since the incident. Chaney’s father said his son will likely begin studying in another district.