ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- "I was not hired back because of the assault."

Shannon Symonds' suit was filed in federal court today. It states Dr. Sheffield and the district violated Shannon's first amendment rights and retaliated against her.

Last March, Shannon reported being punched by a student and needed to see a doctor. She says per Dr. Sheffield's discipline policy, no one reported it to the police.

Within about a week, Shannon received a letter from the district stating she was being let go due to budget cuts. She reapplied for several positions in the district and was told by at least two administrators they'd like to hire her. But she claims she was blacklisted and never hired back.

She is now an elementary school teacher in Freeport.