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.
Assimilation.
That is the key.
I’ll never forget the uncle of the Boston Marathon bombers.
He appeared to be a hard worker of Armenian descent and he gave an interview where he was brutally honest.
He said, “His nephews had everything going for them but they refused to assimilate.”
He just shook his head in disbelief.
Putting native culture above your national citizenship invites a dangerous reckoning.
I disagree.
These being the United States of America, that’s “allowed”.
EVIL LITTLE UNGRATEFUL ENEMY!!!
The teacher may have cost the school district some $.
Obviously not saying the pledge cannot be compelled and that was decided in the 1940s (West Virginia V. Barnette).
Agree with others that the teacher could have used it as a teachable moment.
What, stupid wording? That is definitely allowed.
Yep.
The whole family should be departed.
Do you pledge allegiance to a country that did what they did to the J6ers?
Do you pledge allegiance to a country that at a minimum enabled gain of function research on bat viruses, and then through malice or accident, released it to the world and killed many people?
Do you pledge allegiance to a country that locked down its populace with threats of job loss and other social penalties for not wearing a mask or taking an injection?
I challenge you, say the pledge, and think about every word. If you can, cool, no issues by me. And I would never be disrespectful during any recitation of the pledge, to honor our brave military people who gave their lives to found and maintain the country. But until I see some people in prison for the crimes committed against the good people of the United States, I am holding no particular allegiance. With liberty and justice for all.
I won't, either. Pledging allegiance to a flag, a mere piece of cloth, is sophomoric. I did take an actual Oath of Office that I will never recant.
The daily group recital of the Pledge reminds me of scenes from countries led by dictators.
Children do not actually understand the depth and breadth of an Oath. Often you hear children seriously saying things like, "I led my pigeons to the flag", "Our Father who Art in Heaven, how did you know my name?", "Now I lamie down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soda tank."
The time would be better spent reading from "Common Sense", or the "Federalist Papers", or other Founding documents.
With names like Danielle and Jacob, they are almost certainly Christian, not muslim.
The jihadis in Gaza not only hate Jews, but also Christians.
These US-based Arab Christians need to be educated in Americanism, and they also need to learn about what Palestinian muslims really think about them!
Except for them, I see.
The student was wrong. Not for sitting during the anthem, but then going to the teacher and throwing it in the teacher’s face.
I am not a believer in FORCING kids (or anyone) to reciting the pledge. You should stand (out of respect for others) then remain silent, if you choose.
Just like in the NFL, the disrespect by players refusing to stand for the pledge was reprehensible. It should not have been allowed.
My later teen years (high school) were very troubled. One morning, as per tradition, the anthem was played over the school announcement system. I was in a foul mood. My teacher (Mrs. Earl, may God rest her soul) said for us to stand for The Pledge of Allegiance. Being in a foul mood, I stood, then I gave Mrs. Earl “the finger”.
After the pledge, Mrs. Earl sent me to the Vice Principal’s office. One step up from the boy’s dean, the disciplinarian.
NOT, for flipping her the bird, but for disrespecting the flag.
I cooled my butt on the bench for quite awhile. Finally I was called into his office.
The Vice Principal never mentioned the finger, instead gave me a long speech/sermon on the flag and the men who fought and died so I could be here in this school right now, free to learn.
He finished his speech and just said, you may return to class. No detention, no punishment, nothing.
SIXTY years ago and it is fresh in my mind today.
Agree. Applies to anyone wherever they come from.
Can you, from memory, list all of the Christian Denominations? Do you know those differences have caused bloodshed?
The greatest bloodshed has resulted from the rejection of God.
Tell that to the Crusaders.
Why not for them?
BWAHAHAHAhahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Tell that to the babies slaughtered in these United States.
I agree with the teacher!
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