Photo Of Teacher Taping Mask To Child's Face Triggers Outrage

A picture of a teacher in Philadelphia taping a mask to a child’s face has sparked outrage among parents and social media users in a Pennsylvania school district.

The image emerged from a classroom under the North Penn School District, but it is unclear who captured the widely-shared photograph.

Montgomery County school district confirmed Wednesday that the incident took place last week, according to Courier Times. However, they did not mention the exact date or the events that led to the teacher taping the mask onto the boy’s face.

The North Penn Stronger Together Facebook page shared the image Monday and urged residents and parents to take action.

“Pro-mask or anti-mask, I hope we can all agree that taping masks to children’s faces crosses the LINE. This was not a joke for the child or the parents,” the post caption read. It added that a “board action meeting” will be held Thursday.

Chuck Callesto, former candidate for Florida's 3rd Congressional District, amplified the issue by sharing the news with his 290,000 plus Twitter followers.

“BREAKING REPORT: Teacher at Pennsylvania's Pennfield Middle School Caught TAPING MASK TO YOUNG CHILD'S FACE In Class – Outraged Parents Plan Demonstration at Upcoming School Board Meeting... ,” he wrote.

Callesto’s tweet was liked over 12,000 times and flooded with comments from social media users.

North Penn School District released a statement Wednesday and admitted the teacher’s actions were inappropriate.

“An image taken in one of our classrooms last week and circulating on social media does not represent the universal values that the North Penn School District strives to instil in both our students and staff,” the statement said.

“After an immediate investigation, it was determined that while the incident was isolated and no malice was intended, the actions of the teacher were entirely inappropriate and unacceptable, no matter the context.”

“We understand that the act of taping a mask to a student’s face is concerning to many and apologize that it occurred,” the statement continued. “The matter is serious and it is being addressed with the employee. However, all personnel and student matters are confidential and no further information can be provided.”

The school district did not offer further comments on whether the teacher in question will face action.