A large group of students in a Cherokee County high school demonstrated Tuesday in support of a veteran teacher they say is being treated unfairly by the school for his Christian beliefs.

Sequoyah High School teacher John A. Osborne told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was wrongly accused by a parent of recently telling some students “if they smoke marijuana, they’re going to hell.” Osborne does not believe he has been allowed to properly defend himself, saying he had not talked to the parent.

Osborne said he broke down in class on Friday and has not been back to class, but has sent lesson plans to students.

Some Osborne supporters posted messages on social media that Osborne had been fired. Osborne and the Cherokee school district both said he has not been dismissed.

No administrative disciplinary action has been taken against students for their participation in the event, a district spokeswoman said.

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