Posted on 03/01/2025 7:15:17 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
PLYMOUTH, Michigan (WXYZ) -- Fourteen-year-old Danielle Khalaf said that an experience with her teacher at East Middle School in Plymouth has made 8th grade an anxious experience for her.
She said that it started on January 10, when the Pledge of Allegiance started playing over school speakers.
"I decided I wanted to sit down because I didn’t feel comfortable standing because of what’s happening in Palestine," said Danielle. "After the Pledge was over the teacher addressed the class and said that anyone that was sitting down was being very disrespectful to soldiers, to America."
Danielle said that after class, she went to the teacher to explain why she was sitting, but says the teacher spoke over her continuously, ultimately saying; "Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don’t like it, you should go back to [your] country."
"I was sobbing, and I ran out of the room crying," said Danielle.
She said that she ran into a different teacher and then went to the counselor's office.
Her father Jacob Khalaf said that they have since learned that the teacher admitted to the statement.
"Their only solution was to put my daughter in a different class as opposed to doing anything with the teacher; they wouldn’t tell us what type of disciplinary action, if any, was taken," said Jacob.
7 News Detroit reached out to Plymouth-Canton Schools. They issued this statement:
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We want to be clear that discrimination in any form is not tolerated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously. P-CCS remains committed to fostering an environment where all students, staff, and community members feel safe, respected, and valued.
The district became aware of this incident after it occurred. As with all complaints, an investigation was conducted, and appropriate action was taken in alignment with district policies and procedures. Because this is a personnel matter, we are unable to share specific details regarding the employee involved. To support those affected, the district facilitated restorative practices between the teacher and students to address any harm and foster understanding.
The Arab American Civil Rights League, or ACRL, held a press conference Thursday to address Danielle's story.
Executive Director for the ACRL, Mariam Charara, said, "Based on what Danielle is letting us know, is that the administration had restorative practice in the classroom with the teacher and the other students, but the only student who was not in the classroom was Danielle herself."
The ACRL said they sent a letter to the school, demanding they take action, and the claim the school has not.
According to the ACRL, Danielle's story is a direct violation of her First Amendment right, and they've filed a formal complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
They say that if the district does not take action, they will file a lawsuit.
"I think the teacher needs to be removed," said Jacob.
"It was traumatizing, it hurt, and I know she could do that to other people," said Danielle.
Aren’t libs saying same thing to Musk?
Her teacher was absolutely right. Ship her ass as well as those of her family back to the Muslim shithole they came from. Then she won’t need to worry about the pledge of Allegience.
Yes, a total set up. Just like the gays with bakeries and XX sports. The school failed to learn the lesson of not playing the game.
At 14 I don’t think it will matter if the Palipedopervs think she’s Israeli or not (or a goat either, for that matter).
Maybe she’d prefer to attend a sharia school? Oh, wait, can girls attend school?
When I grew up 8 graders were not national news.....................
Well then, Boo-Hoo!
One of our local City Council members refuses to Pledge. She took the oath of office, solemnly swearing to defend our nation and swearing that she was taking the oath without purpose of evasion, yet she refuses to Pledge Allegiance. Childish, rude, and incredibly selfish.
AMEN.
Cry me a river, Danielle.
I agree with the teacher.
Many teaching years ago I was teaching in a school in NJ and would be the only one in the classroom reciting the Pledge. Upon finishing, I would turn to the class and say, “Shame on you,” and resumed my duties. Sorry, not sorry.
If you live in the United States but have no allegiance to this nation, but rather have allegiance to another nation or some organization that’s considered a terrorist group, then you are a enemy of this nation and have absolutely NO business being here.... GET OUT OF HERE.!!
What part of “go back to your own country” did the Muzzie not understand?
A little bit torn on this. I don’t think you should be compelled to have to stand for The Pledge, but on the other hand, you shouldn’t be shielded from the consequences.
The good thing about Freedom of Expression is, you get to find out who the jerks are.
I disagree with everyone here.
There was a time, not long ago, when being an American meant we took pride in standing up for and defending four freedomes not just reducing them to a bumper sticker memes.
The teacher blew it. This could have become a great teachable moment by explaining that the first amendment protects the right to peacefully assemble and protest, and that while some might feel disrespected when it happens, the proper response is to respect and even to defend another citizens right to do so.
Also, the teacher should emphasize that the right to protest is not absolute, and that while schools are public places where protest is lawful, being disruptive or breaking school rules will not be tolerated.
This would have been a positive outcome and is exactly what the bill of rights is all about.
I have an acquaintance who was an elementary school principal in an area with a lot of Jehovas Witnesses - who apparently also do not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, and this was causing a lot of problems.
What she did was have all the kids line up on the playground before going into the classrooms - and that is where the Pledge was played and said with everyone already standing.
Said it worked like a charm.
You and me both, but that was long before the hijrah (Arab Spring) began infiltrating Western Civilization in 2010.
Aliens shouldn’t have to recite the pledge, but they should be required to stand respectfully while it is being recited.
On the other hand, Islamic infiltrators should be dealt with. Maybe she should continue her education at that resort on the south shore of Cuba.
A real Oath needs to be said just once
Allegiance to a piece of cloth is foolish
Daily repetition is propagandizing
It is possible to revere the Nation and not believe in God
In America you have a right to be an asshole, but you don’t have a right not to be thought to be an asshole.
In America you have a right to be an asshole, but you don’t have a right not to be thought to be an asshole.
Well said.
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