The American Civil Liberties Union took legal action by filing a lawsuit on Wednesday, representing a 14-year-old student. The student claimed that a teacher publicly shamed her for choosing not to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance in opposition to the U.S. backing of Israel’s conflict in Gaza.
According to the lawsuit, Danielle Khalaf’s teacher berated her by implying that if she disliked the country, she should leave since she benefits from its liberties.
Danielle, whose family is of Palestinian descent, declined to recite the Pledge over three days in January.
ACLU lawyer Mark Fancher commended Danielle’s bravery and steadfastness for standing by her beliefs despite facing adversity. He acknowledged the courage it took for her to act in accordance with her conscience and principles.
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.
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