Palestinian student sues school over teacher's reaction to her refusal to stand for Pledge
DETROIT (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of a 14-year-old student 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.
Danielle Khalaf's teacher told her, “Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don't like it, you should go back to your country,” according to the lawsuit.
Danielle, whose family is of Palestinian descent, declined to recite the Pledge over three days in January.
“We can only marvel at the conviction and incredible courage it took for her to follow her conscience and her heart,” ACLU attorney Mark Fancher said.
The lawsuit says her teacher admonished her and told her she was being disrespectful.
As a result, Danielle “suffered extensive emotional and social injuries,” including nightmares, stress and strained friendships, the lawsuit says.
The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League said Danielle's First Amendment rights were violated, and the lawsuit seeks a financial award.
At that time, the school district said it had taken “appropriate action,” though it didn't elaborate.
“Discrimination in any form is not tolerated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously,” the district said.
Danielle Khalaf's teacher told her, “Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don't like it, you should go back to your country,” according to the lawsuit.
Danielle, whose family is of Palestinian descent, declined to recite the Pledge over three days in January.
“We can only marvel at the conviction and incredible courage it took for her to follow her conscience and her heart,” ACLU attorney Mark Fancher said.
The lawsuit says her teacher admonished her and told her she was being disrespectful.
As a result, Danielle “suffered extensive emotional and social injuries,” including nightmares, stress and strained friendships, the lawsuit says.
The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League said Danielle's First Amendment rights were violated, and the lawsuit seeks a financial award.
At that time, the school district said it had taken “appropriate action,” though it didn't elaborate.
“Discrimination in any form is not tolerated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously,” the district said.
SBM warns lawyers of phishing scam
The State Bar of Michigan is warning members about a phishing scam involving fraudulent emails that appear to come from Board of Commissioners Secretary David C. Anderson.
The scam email, which has been reported by multiple members, is created to seem like an official communication from the State Bar of Michigan. It uses a deceptive email address — david.anderson2(at)michbar.org.virrumail.com — that is not affiliated with SBM.
Do not respond to the message, click on any links, or provide personal information.
The message claims to be a request to confirm preferences for secure communication from the State Bar of Michigan. It may appear legitimate at first glance, but it is not from Anderson or any Bar staff.
It is a scam.
Similar fake emails have been reported in Florida, California, and Utah, each purportedly from a Bar officer or executive.
Michigan attorneys are advised to remain cautious as scammers become increasingly clever in their quest to do harm.
The scam email, which has been reported by multiple members, is created to seem like an official communication from the State Bar of Michigan. It uses a deceptive email address — david.anderson2(at)michbar.org.virrumail.com — that is not affiliated with SBM.
Do not respond to the message, click on any links, or provide personal information.
The message claims to be a request to confirm preferences for secure communication from the State Bar of Michigan. It may appear legitimate at first glance, but it is not from Anderson or any Bar staff.
It is a scam.
Similar fake emails have been reported in Florida, California, and Utah, each purportedly from a Bar officer or executive.
Michigan attorneys are advised to remain cautious as scammers become increasingly clever in their quest to do harm.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
