Palestinian Student Sues Michigan School Over Teacher's Reaction to Her Refusal to Stand for Pledge
A 14-year-old student alleges she was humiliated by her teacher for not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of US support of Israel's war in Gaza.
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a 14-year-old Palestinian-American student who claims that her teacher retaliated against her for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Danielle Khalaf, a ninth-grader at Plymouth-Canton High School in Michigan, declined to recite the Pledge over three days in January due to her protest against US support for Israel's war in Gaza.According to the lawsuit, Danielle's teacher allegedly told her, "Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don't like it, you should go back to your country." The teacher reportedly admonished her for being disrespectful.
As a result, Danielle suffered emotional and social injuries, including nightmares, stress, and strained friendships.The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League argue that Danielle's First Amendment rights were violated in this incident.
They are seeking financial compensation on her behalf.
At a news conference in February, Danielle stated that her teacher's actions were traumatizing and could potentially harm others as well.Plymouth-Canton Community Schools have claimed to have taken appropriate action in response to the incident but have not provided further details.
The school district maintains that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination and takes such matters seriously.Michigan is home to over 300,000 residents of Middle Eastern or North African descent, ranking second behind California according to census data.
Danielle Khalaf, a ninth-grader at Plymouth-Canton High School in Michigan, declined to recite the Pledge over three days in January due to her protest against US support for Israel's war in Gaza.According to the lawsuit, Danielle's teacher allegedly told her, "Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don't like it, you should go back to your country." The teacher reportedly admonished her for being disrespectful.
As a result, Danielle suffered emotional and social injuries, including nightmares, stress, and strained friendships.The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League argue that Danielle's First Amendment rights were violated in this incident.
They are seeking financial compensation on her behalf.
At a news conference in February, Danielle stated that her teacher's actions were traumatizing and could potentially harm others as well.Plymouth-Canton Community Schools have claimed to have taken appropriate action in response to the incident but have not provided further details.
The school district maintains that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination and takes such matters seriously.Michigan is home to over 300,000 residents of Middle Eastern or North African descent, ranking second behind California according to census data.
