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
Woman in white dress against a white wall.

Influential Belly Dancer Detained for ‘Seductive Methods’ and ‘Revealing Private Parts’ in Popular Online Videos

A BELLY dancer influencer has been arrested for “using seduction techniques” and…
Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Wimbledon Tuesday

Get a $150 Bonus or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net for Wimbledon on Tuesday

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding 'in plain sight' waiting to target rural US areas, terrorism expert warns

Terrorism Expert Warns of Potential Iranian Sleeper Cells in Rural US Areas

A counterterrorism expert says that Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding “in…
A new twist on the flower scene: wood flowers!

Introducing a Fresh Take on Floral Decor: Wooden Flowers!

Berlin, New Jersey — It all started with a Facebook video and…
Harrowing photos show what's left of volunteer fire chief's vehicle after he was swept away in Texas floods

Shocking images reveal the volunteer fire chief’s car after being carried away by floods in Texas

A desperate search was under way for a volunteer fire chief who…
Reverend boyfriend of ex-Houston mayoral appointee who went on Camp Mystic tirade condemns her comments

Pastor Condemns Remarks Made by Former Houston Mayoral Appointee After Her Camp Mystic Outburst

The reverend partner of a former appointee to the Houston mayor’s office,…
Close-up of Ian Wilkinson outside a court building.

Sole Survivor of Erin Patterson’s Meal Speaks Out with Powerful 8-Word Message After Verdict

THE sole survivor of mushroom killer Erin Patterson’s poisoned lunch has broken…
A pistol in a wooden box being presented to a man in a suit.

From a ‘mobile’ body and a corruption scandal to a swift ‘suicide’ narrative: 5 pressing questions about the shooting death of a Russian minister linked to Putin

THE death of Vladimir Putin’s transport minister has raised a series of…
Orlando man arrested for 3 unsolved rapes in Jacksonville more than 20 years ago

Orlando Man Charged with Three Cold Case Rape Incidents in Jacksonville from Over Two Decades Ago

Jason Leonard Blount, 52, faces three counts of felony first-degree sexual battery…
My sister is trying to kill my 98-year-old mother

My Sister is Endangering Our 98-Year-Old Mother

DEAR ABBY: I reside five hours away from my hometown. My mom,…
University of Alabama student 1 of 2 killed in Florida crash over Fourth of July weekend

University of Alabama Student Among Two Fatalities in Florida Crash During Fourth of July Weekend

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Two people from Alabama died in a wreck…
Escaped lion chases, mauls mom and two young kids: video

Lion Escapes Zoo, Attacks Mother and Her Two Children: Caught on Video

Wild video shows an escaped lion attacking a mother and her two…