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.
It’s his right. Personally, I no longer say the Pledge to the Flag. I won’t until I know for sure what the flag truly stands for. Over the past year my wife and I have been seriously hurt by the U.S. government.
Go to Palestine and since you are of age marry one or two of the mongrels there to “help the cause
“
At a micro level, it sounds like one of those "lines in the sand" that history has often dramatically shown in not just "childish, rude and incredibly selfish".
You are headed in the right direction. If the teacher says be quiet, be quiet. If the teacher says everyone sit down, sit down. If the teacher says stand up, stand up if you are physically able. It’s as simple as following directions. Otherwise chaos would be the norm.
There must be more to this story and I think little Danielle has been a troublemaker for a while.
EC
My thoughts exactly.
Well said.
For a change.
Pronto.
Don’t worry. With that brand of parents the girl will soon experience an Honor killing
They do it allah the time...
in = is
Toss her ass out. She needs to go find a school where her ass would be more comfortable. Little skank.
I see your point, and tend to agree. It ought not be tolerated. She is violating her oath of office, and for our nation to stand, that cannot be allowed. At any level.
Well princess. America is a free country. You can go home whenever you want to. Nothing is keeping your ass here. Go home and pull that Muzzie baloney.
Ahem, your daughter needs to be removed, not only from the school, but from the country, go to Palestine and cry over there.
I wouldn't feel safe being in close proximity to someone who won't stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Be American or be elsewhere.
If I were to put a bumper sticker on my truck, that would be the one.
When Obama was elected to a second term, my oldest son refused to pledge at school.
Someone asked him why.
He refuse to pledge allegiance to a country stupid enough to elect a radical Marxist twice. He refused to pledge allegiance to a country that regarded him, a straight, white, Christian male, as the enemy.
The day after the 2016 election, he jumped to his feet and said the pledge loud and proud. Everyone in the room knew who he would have voted for.
He worked the Trump campaign in 2020 (was recognized as a distinguished volunteer by the Texas RNC) as well as 2022 campaigns for Congress and other elections.
He was considering joining the military in 2019. I begged him to wait until after the 2020 election. I’m glad he did. He’s a true blood; no forced jab for him.
I don’t mind if people refuse to pledge. I don’t care if she got the hurt feelz over what the teacher said. Get over yourself; you are not that important.
Oh, and just for the record, I think it’s pretty twisted that a teenage girl is standing in solidarity with murdering rapist terrorist things. Someone is shoveling propaganda at her by the truck loads.
The names of this girl and her father make me think they must be Christian.
Perhaps. Christian is as Christian does.
And muslim is as muslim does...
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