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
US won't send some weapons pledged to Ukraine following a Pentagon review of military aid

U.S. Holds Back Certain Weapons Promised to Ukraine After Pentagon Aid Assessment

WASHINGTON — The United States is pausing certain weapons deliveries to Ukraine…
Juliana Marins smiling in front of a hillside.

‘I’m Not Scared’: Heartbreaking Last Message from 26-Year-Old Backpacker Who Fell into Volcano Crater During Hike

TRAGIC backpacker Juliana Marins told her family “I’m not afraid” in a…
Snake on a plane delays flight for 2 hours

Snake Causes Two-Hour Flight Delay

The snake turned out to be a harmless green tree snake, but…
Ovidio Guzman Lopez, 1 of El Chapo's sons, intends to plead guilty in New York fed criminal case: I-Team documents

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, plans to admit guilt in New York federal criminal case, according to I-Team reports.

CHICAGO (WLS) — New information acquired by the ABC 7 I-Team reveals…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker selects Christian Mitchell as running mats for 3rd term bid

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Chooses Christian Mitchell as Running Mate for Third Term Campaign

CHICAGO (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker has announced Christian Mitchell will be…
Jimmy Swaggart preaching to a large crowd.

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Passes Away at 90 Following Recent Cardiac Arrest

TELEVANGELIST Jimmy Swaggart has died at age 90 over two weeks after…
DHS slams 'bizarre tale' about activist allegedly kidnapped by bounty hunters

DHS Criticizes ‘Unbelievable Story’ of Activist’s Alleged Bounty Hunter Kidnapping

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responding to “lazy” news reports…

Son Allegedly Fatally Attacks Mother’s Boyfriend Over Steak Dinner Dispute

A STEAK family dinner led to a son fatally stabbing his mother’s…
United Airlines flight diverted while going to Chicago O'Hare Airport, plane evacuated at St. Louis Lambert International Airport

United Airlines Flight Rerouted to St. Louis Lambert, Evacuated Before Reaching Chicago O’Hare

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday morning, passengers faced a frightening experience when…
DHS: Assaults on ICE now up nearly 700% over same time last year

DHS Reports: Attacks on ICE Increase Almost Sevenfold Compared to Last Year

The Department of Homeland Security informed Fox News that attacks on U.S.…
A carer abusing an elderly man in his son's home.

Caregiver Violently Tosses and Threatens 88-Year-Old Dementia Patient Before His Death

THIS is the shocking moment a carer “violently degrades” a frail 88-year-old…
Overgrown yard with a trampoline and stacks of bricks.

Father Claims He Built a ‘Bunker’ at Home to Protect His Silent Children, Aged 6 and 9, Found in Woods

THE FATHER of the “ghost children” who were discovered living in the…