(CNN) When 9-year-old William McLeod went to his Utah public school on Wednesday, he knew some of his classmates might ask him about the ashen cross he wore on his forehead for Ash Wednesday.

He didn't think his teacher would tell him it was inappropriate and make him wash it off.

"It was really bad," William told CNN by phone Friday. "I went to the office and I was crying and I felt like I was in trouble."

William's teacher has been placed on administrative leave while the Davis School District investigates, officials said in a statement, calling the teacher's actions "unacceptable."

The teacher told him his ashes were 'inappropriate,' grandmother says

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