The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on Wednesday on behalf of a 14-year-old student who said a teacher humiliated her for refusing her promise of allegiance to protest the U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
According to the lawsuit, Danielle Khalaf’s teacher told her: “Because you live in this country and enjoy freedom, if you don’t like it, you should go back to your country.”
Danielle’s family, of Palestinian descent, refused to recite the three-day vow in January.
“We can only be amazed at her conscience and inner beliefs and incredible courage,” said ACLU attorney Mark Fancher.
The lawsuit says her teacher told her and told her she was disrespectful.
Danielle “experienced widespread emotional and social harm”, including nightmares, stress and tense friendships, the lawsuit alleges.
The American Civil Liberties Union and Arab Civil Rights Union said Danielle’s First Amendment rights were violated and the lawsuit sought a financial ruling.
“It’s painful, it’s painful, and I know she can do it with other people,” Danielle said in a February press conference.
At the time, the school district said it took “appropriate action” despite not being detailed.
“Plymouth-Canton Community Schools are not tolerated in any form and are taken seriously,” the district said.
The district declined to comment on Wednesday, citing the lawsuit.
According to the Census Bureau, Michigan has 300,000 residents of Middle East or North African descent, second only to the United States.
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