A teacher from a Mennonite school in Alberta was charged with assault after a boy was allegedly hit with an automotive serpentine belt earlier this year.

The Edmonton Journal reported Eva Bueckert, 37, of Cleardale, was charged with assault with a weapon after a parent reported to police in May that their child was struck with a belt at school, leaving bruising and red marks on the thigh.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the school and found a machine belt and documents related to disciplinary practices that parents sign. Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigators say corporal punishment with “the strap” was part of discipline at Blumenort Mennonite School, Wilson Prairie Mennonite School and Tompkins Mennonite School.

Sommerfeld Mennonite Church, a conservative group, has congregations named Blumenort, Wilson Prairie and Tompkins Landing.

Cpl. Scott Coleman said in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police statement that using physical force to discipline children is not protected simply because it is part of a school’s policies or traditions. Police allege the practice was used at all three schools, which are being investigated in conjunction with Alberta’s Ministry of Education and Childcare.

“We want the public to understand that these forms of corporal punishment are criminal offences and will be treated as such,” he said.

In a statement to CBC News, Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the safety and well-being of students is his top priority.

“All schools in Alberta must operate in compliance with the law, including the Criminal Code of Canada,” he said. “Following information provided through the RCMP investigation, my ministry is reviewing the situation to determine whether further action may be required.”