Danielle Khalaf sues Plymouth-Canton Community Schools over teacher's reaction to her refusal to stand for Pledge of Allegiance
Share this @internewscast.com

DETROIT — The American Civil Liberties Union initiated a legal action on Wednesday representing a 14-year-old student who claimed she was embarrassed by a teacher for choosing not to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. This was her form of protest against the U.S. backing of Israel’s conflict in Gaza.

As per the lawsuit, Danielle Khalaf was told by her teacher that, “Since you reside in this country and benefit from its freedom, if it’s unappealing to you, you should return to your country.”

Danielle, whose family is of Palestinian descent, declined to recite the Pledge over three days in January.

“We can only admire the dedication and extraordinary bravery it required for her to act according to her beliefs and feelings,” stated ACLU lawyer Mark Fancher.

The lawsuit says her teacher admonished her and told her she was being disrespectful.

As a result, Danielle “suffered extensive emotional and social injuries,” including nightmares, stress and strained friendships, the lawsuit says.

The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League said Danielle’s First Amendment rights were violated, and the lawsuit seeks a financial award.

“It was traumatizing, it hurt and I know she could do that to other people,” Danielle said at a news conference in February, referring to the teacher’s treatment.

At that time, the school district said it had taken “appropriate action,” though it didn’t elaborate.

“Discrimination in any form is not tolerated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously,” the district said.

The school district declined Wednesday to comment further, citing the litigation.

Michigan has more than 300,000 residents of Middle Eastern or North African descent, second in the U.S. behind California, according to the Census Bureau.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Deadly social media trend threatens kids, homeowners defending themselves: 'children are going to get killed’

Dangerous Social Media Challenge Puts Kids at Risk; Homeowners Take Precautions: ‘This Could End Tragically’

Potentially dangerous social media trends are getting kids, and potentially homeowners, into…
Heartbroken family of late soccer player Diogo Jota arrives at funeral in Portugal

Grieving Family of Deceased Soccer Star Diogo Jota Attends His Funeral in Portugal

Liverpool’s squad gathered in the quaint Portuguese town of Gondomar on Saturday…
MSNBC Trivializes the Holocaust to Score Political Points on Trump and 'Alligator Alcatraz'

MSNBC Minimizes the Holocaust to Politicize Trump and ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

The article, “Don’t call it ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ Call it a concentration camp,”…
Bikes fill Neptune Beach's First Street for Fourth of July tradition

Neptune Beach’s First Street Fills with Bikes for July 4th Celebration

Neptune Beach Police shut down First Street to cars to accommodate the…
Donald and Melania Trump on a White House balcony with an American flag.

Donald and Melania Trump Charm Audience with Heartwarming Balcony Appearance Amid Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

DONALD Trump and Melania have warmed hearts with their PDA-packed appearance while…
Indianapolis street scene with police cars and crime scene tape after a mass shooting.

Two Dead and Multiple Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting Amid Large Teen Gathering

TWO people have died and several are injured after a mass shooting…
Chicago area suburbs including Aurora celebrating 4th of July with parades

Aurora and Other Chicago Suburbs Host Parades for 4th of July Celebrations

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — The red, white, blue is on full display…
Natasha Cloud's WNBA All-Star Game case isn't straightforward

Natasha Cloud’s Pitch for WNBA All-Star Selection Is Complicated

The Liberty will be well represented at All-Star weekend in Indianapolis later…
Even before Glastonbury Festival hate chants, UK Jews warned of alarming rise in antisemitism

UK Jews Highlight Growing Antisemitism Before Glastonbury Festival Controversy

Jewish leaders in the UK were outraged this weekend following antisemitic chants…
Square Roots Festival 2025: Live music festival returns to Lincoln Square, Chicago with bands, craft beers and family fun

Square Roots Festival 2025: Lincoln Square, Chicago Welcomes Back Live Music, Craft Beers, and Family Fun

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Square Roots festival is set to return from…
Indianapolis mass shooting leaves 2 dead, several others wounded

Two Killed and Several Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting

Two people were killed in a shooting that injured at least seven…
It's a Feel-Good Friday Independence Day As Americans of All Backgrounds Celebrate Our Freedoms

Celebrate Freedom This Feel-Good Friday: Independence Day for All Americans

Happy Independence Day! It’s quite a wonderful coincidence that my Feel-Good Friday…