US student, 14, ‘humiliated’ teacher for refusing to stand for pledge, sues school | World News

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of Danielle Khalaf, a 14-year-old student who says she was humiliated a teacher for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of US support for Israel’s war in Gaza.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO
According to the lawsuit, the teacher told Danielle, “Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don’t like it, you should go back to your country.”
Danielle, whose family is of Palestinian descent, declined to recite the pledge over three days in January. The lawsuit states the teacher admonished her, calling her behavior disrespectful.
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“We can only marvel at the conviction and incredible courage it took for her to follow her conscience and her heart,” said ACLU attorney Mark Fancher.
The lawsuit claims Danielle “suffered extensive emotional and social injuries,” including nightmares, stress, and strained friendships.
The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League say Danielle’s First Amendment rights were violated and are seeking a financial award in the suit.
“It was traumatising, it hurt and I know she could do that to other people,” Danielle said at a news conference in February, referring to her teacher.Story continues below this ad
At the time, the school drict said it had taken “appropriate action,” though it did not specify what that entailed.
“Discrimination in any form is not tolerated Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously,” the drict said.
On Wednesday, the drict declined further comment, citing ongoing litigation.
Michigan is home to more than 300,000 residents of Middle Eastern or North African descent — the second-largest population in the US after California, according to the Census Bureau.