An assistant teacher has been suspended after being accused of telling a Muslim student, “We don’t negotiate with terrorists,” in response to a question about math homework. Mohammed Zubi, a 17-year-old senior and captain of the soccer team, told CNN he was “looking around, at a loss for words, completely shocked” after the teacher made the comment. Last week, when the incident was first reported by ABC 7 NY, a classmate said the teacher “got close to” Zubi, who had asked for more time to work on an assignment, before calling him a terrorist. Other classmates confirmed they heard the remark.

The Ridgefield School District did not publicly identify the teacher or confirm Zubi’s account, but said a full investigation would be conducted. Zubi said he stayed away from school for almost a week following the incident. “I want a public apology to me and my family,” he said.