DETROIT (AP) — A suburban Detroit school district has agreed to give First Amendment training to staff to settle a lawsuit by a teenager who said a teacher humiliated her for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of U.S. support of Israel’s war in Gaza.
The agreement with Danielle Khalaf and her father also includes a $10,000 payment by an insurance company on behalf of the teacher, according to a court filing.
The Plymouth-Canton district did not admit liability. However, Superintendent Monica Merritt praised Danielle for “showing courage and speaking up about the incident.”
“Our mission is to foster a school environment that is safe, respectful and welcoming for all,” Merritt stated.
In January 2025, Danielle, whose family is of Palestinian descent, declined to recite the pledge at her school over three days. The lawsuit alleges her teacher admonished her, stating it was disrespectful.
“Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don’t like it, you should go back to your country,” commented the teacher, as per the lawsuit.
Danielle reported experiencing emotional distress due to the situation, including nightmares and strained friendships.
“It was terrifying at times, scary to face a teacher, and overwhelming with the attention that came with the publicity. But it taught me the importance of speaking up for what I believe is right,” Danielle said in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Arab American Civil Rights League.
According to the Census Bureau, Michigan is home to over 300,000 residents of Middle Eastern or North African descent, a figure second only to California.
The settlement will also require the school district to remove any indication from Danielle’s file that suggests her actions violated school policy.
