BOISE - The controversy over a Meridian teacher on paid leave is still going strong.

A group of parents and students stood outside Chief Joseph Elementary Monday wearing T-shirts that said "Bring back Mr. O to Chief Jo." The fifth grade teacher, Rob O'Neal, is on paid administrative leave after allegedly getting into a verbal and physical confrontation with a student on the playground last month.

“My client denies these allegations," the teacher said through his attorney, Elisa G. Massoth. "He is entitled to due process and is trying to be very patient and wait for that process to take place. He is very grateful and humbled by the support of the students and parents."

"We are in the process of providing the school district with numerous witness statements that support what he told the school administration happened from the very beginning. He misses his class and can’t wait to get back to work.”

Several parents say they're upset with how the district is handling the investigation.

The Meridian School District says it can't talk about the allegations. In fact, the district says it has not even spoken with the teacher in question about what happened because his lawyers has asked him to stay silent.

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Past stories:

Parents rally in support of teacher

Parents outraged after teacher placed on leave