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
2026 Senate election candidates Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly show out for 4th of July parade festivities

2026 Senate Election: Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Robin Kelly Shine in Independence Day Parade Celebrations

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Fourth of July means parades in many communities.…
Fireworks explosion in Pacoima, California turns deadly after multiple homes set on fire

Fatal Fireworks Explosion in Pacoima, California Leads to Multiple Homes Catching Fire

A man lost his life, and a woman was critically injured following…
What's open and closed on July Fourth

July Fourth: What Is Open and What Is Closed?

The Fourth of July holiday, also recognized as Independence Day, commemorates the…
'Sinners' on HBO Max, 'Heads of State' on Prime + More

“‘Sinners’ Now Streaming on HBO Max, ‘Heads of State’ Debuts on Prime Video & More”

This weekend’s new releases on streaming platforms feature some fantastic summer movies…
Jake Lang Release from DC Jail

Uncovering the True Identity of Jake Lang

Unaware to many, my investigation into the man many view as the…
Passengers evacuating a Ryanair plane on the tarmac.

Ryanair Plane in Majorca Experiences Fire Alert; 18 Injured as Passengers Evacuate and Jump from Wing

EIGHTEEN people were injured after a fire alert onboard a Ryanair plane…
Iran, following Trump strikes, says 'the doors of diplomacy will never slam shut'

Iran asserts that despite Trump’s strikes, ‘diplomatic channels will always remain open’

Iran’s foreign minister assures that “the doors of diplomacy remain open,” in…

Stitched with Honor: Flag Manufacturer Prepares for Nation’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

Kansas City, MO – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary…
Two illustrations of D.B. Cooper.

Fresh DB Cooper Documents Illuminate Search for the World’s Most Elusive Hijacker, Featuring a Wheelchair-Bound Mystery Suspect

NEW FBI files have shed light on one of the longest-running unsolved…
Kentucky Powerball jackpot winners holding a $167.3 million check.

Powerball Winner with Troubled Past Uses $167.3M Jackpot for Bail Just Days After Winning

A POWERBALL winner who scored a multi-million dollar prize has spent over…
Julio César Chávez Jr. arrested by ICE agents just days after Jake Paul fight

Julio César Chávez Jr. Detained by ICE Shortly After Facing Jake Paul

Officials said ICE officers detained the former middleweight champion for overstaying a…
'This Is Spinal Tap' director Rob Reiner reflects on cult classic's success 41 years later

Director Rob Reiner reminisces on the enduring success of ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ 41 years after its release

“This is Spinal Tap” director, Rob Reiner, reflected on how misunderstood the…