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.
BINGO
Plymouth? What a great place to be from having spent most of my life there and where most of family choses to live, four generations now. Only a matter of time before outsiders have to crap on the place like everywhere else in America. I have a couple of texts out, if I hear anything notable I will post on this thread.
Likely just some outsider money group stirring up chit.
Show the fragile little sow the body can footage taken from the Oct 7 savages who put a live baby in an oven then set it to broil in front of the parents who were tied to together and tortured. Let's then see how "traumatized" and hurt she becomes.
That teacher is correct.
IIRC Teddy Roosevelt said “We can have no hyphenated citizens you are either an American or your not.”
“...an environment where all students, staff, and community members feel safe, respected, and valued.”
That would be here, in the United States of America. If you or your parents (which is where this is coming from) don’t recognize it, be grateful and show respect for it, then the teacher is right.
These IDIOT journalists think this is a bad thing.
When I was in elementary school, one of my fellow classmates was a Jehovah's Witness. He stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, but remained silent. No one made a fuss...that was 60+ years ago.
I'm on the teacher's side as well.
Actually, it won’t matter. The way the hamas animals act is to hide behind their “own” gazans’ kiddies while shooting at Israeli citizens.
So, dead either way.
The teacher was correct, but I am amazed she didn’t get fired for saying it. Now reverse the situation and put an American in the 8th grader’s country..... What would the result have been?
Damned right! If you are not going to assimilate, don’t bother coming!
If the parents really want to support the Muslim culture why are they allowing their daughter to attend school?
Imagine how many little AMERICAN kids ran from school sobbing and crying when they were told that their daddy or mommy was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Sorry Jake. It’s your daughter that needs to be removed. The other children are learning from the teacher, not your little RAT daughter.
Agree.
Also ... Abolish government schools. In a private school, this is no longer a First Amendment matter.
The teacher also has First Amendment rights.
" ... and to the Republic for which it stands ... "
It is possible to revere the Nation and not believe in God
And that has gotten us to where we are today: A godless, splintered "nation".
He’s not wrong
It needs better wording. As it is, it is stupid.
“If the parents really want to support the Muslim culture why are they allowing their daughter to attend school?”
I imagine some Muslims are like what we call “cafeteria Catholics“, those who pick and choose which rules they will follow.
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