Autism teacher protests removal for hugging

Tim Daly and Carlos Saucedo | KXTV-Sacramento

Show Caption Hide Caption Special ed teacher booted from class after hugging kid A special education teacher who said he granted his autistic student's request for a hug and a kiss on the cheek is protesting his removal from school. The student's own mother is the teacher's biggest supporter.

A special education teacher for 16 years is protesting the move by Manteca, Calif. school officials to put him on paid leave, barred from being near children.

Leo Bennett-Cauchon said he was just doing what was best for a severely autistic 8-year old when he made contact with the child in early February.

"I've been trained, if a student asks for a hug, you give a hug. I admit completely that I hugged him and let him sit in my lap when he said 'sit.' I picked him up when he said 'up.' This is a child that needs that physical contact," Bennett-Cauchon said.

He's been holding a sign outside the school district office that says "Let me teach. Bring back joy."

Clark Burke, a representative for the school district, says it's making sure it follows through with both its legal and moral obligations to protect students.

Police in this Northern California town said Tuesday they're investigating the possibility there were "repeated acts of inappropriate behavior" and "there could be multiple victims."

The mother of the 8-year-old boy said she supports how the teacher dealt with her son, but Bennett-Cauchon will be off the job while the incident is investigated by police and the school district. The police investigation is expected to last up to four weeks.