Baltimore teacher says she forgives student who punched her after she had cancer surgery; as reason for the attack is revealed

The teacher who was attacked by a student at a Baltimore high school says she forgives the student who punched her.

The teacher had been away from school on leave so she could be treated for cancer. On her first day back at school after cancer surgery, she was attacked both verbally and physically by a female student.

The heartbreaking attack was filmed and went viral (see here)

The teacher has not returned to class since the attack. She had to go to a hospital where she was evaluated and released.

Outraged members of the community rallied to support the teacher on Thursday. They demanded the school press charges and remove the student from the classroom.

The Baltimore Teachers Union released a statement calling the attack on one of their members "absolutely deplorable."

Baltimore City Schools released a statement on the incident, saying:

School administrators at Frederick Douglass High School continue to investigate a physical altercation that took place today when a teacher was struck by a student following a verbal exchange. Ensuring a safe teaching and learning environment for our students and staff is paramount to City Schools. Upon review of the incident, school administrators will apply disciplinary action in accordance with Baltimore City Public Schools’ Code of Conduct.

But posts shared on Facebook have revealed that the student was not removed from the class because the incident was triggered when the teacher "misgendered" the student.