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
Monsoon season brings the promise of rain for the arid southwestern US

Monsoon Season Brings Much-Needed Rainfall to the Dry Southwestern U.S.

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (AP) — Clouds gather in the early afternoon, and gusty…
DOJ indicts suspect who went viral for delivering protective gear to anti-ICE protesters on live TV

DOJ Charges Viral Figure for Supplying Protective Gear to Protesters Opposing ICE on Live TV

A man who gained viral attention after being seen on live television…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to hit campaign trail with new running mate Christian Mitchell Wednesday

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois to Begin Campaign Tour with New Partner Christian Mitchell on Wednesday

CHICAGO (WLS) — Christian Mitchell, chosen by Governor JB Pritzker to be…
Ex-Met retires after 13 MLB seasons

Former Met Bids Farewell: Retires After 13 MLB Seasons

Kevin Pillar is calling it quits.  The ex-Mets outfielder announced that he’s…
British Star Makes Disgusting Comment About Number of Her Abortions

British Celebrity Sparks Controversy with Comments on Her Abortion Experiences

I’m sorry, the word abortion is horrible. But to joke that one’s…
Islanders sign KHL star Maxim Shabanov in free agency swing

Islanders Acquire KHL standout Maxim Shabanov in Free Agency Move

The Islanders had more moves to make in free agency. On Wednesday,…
'He's Guilty As Sin': Megyn Kelly, 50 Cent, Rosie O'Donnell and More React to Diddy Verdict

“Diddy Verdict Sparks Strong Reactions from Megyn Kelly, 50 Cent, Rosie O’Donnell, and Others”

During “The Megyn Kelly Show” on SiriusXM, Kelly announced the jury’s decision…
‘The Old Guard 2’ Ending Explained: Breaking Down That Major Cliffhanger

“The Old Guard 2: An In-Depth Look at the Surprising Cliffhanger Ending”

Old Guard fans hoping for closure in the sequel will be disappointed,…
Small plane goes down at New Jersey airport in 'mass casualty' emergency

Small Aircraft Crash at New Jersey Airport Results in ‘Mass Casualty’ Situation

A skydiving airplane crashed Wednesday after it went off the end of…
'What are the Republicans waiting for?'

‘Why Are Republicans Delaying Action?’

WASHINGTON — President Trump expressed frustration on social media as a procedural…
Belgium's Prince Emmanuel revealed to have secret career as DJ Vyntrix

Belgium’s Prince Emmanuel Unveiled as the Secretive DJ Vyntrix

The Fresh Prince of Bel-gium! Belgium’s Prince Emmanuel has quietly launched a…
Lawsuit says Trump's immigration crackdown has put LA 'under siege' in defiance of federal law

Lawsuit Claims Trump’s Immigration Policies Have Left Los Angeles ‘Under Siege,’ Violating Federal Law

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses President Donald…