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8th grader who sat for Pledge of Allegiance says teacher told her, 'you should go back to your country.'



"PLYMOUTH, Mich. (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."

The Arab American Civil Rights League, or ACRL, held a press conference Thursday to address Danielle's story.

"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.



Here's a thought: I.C.E.  makes sure their entire family's papers are in order. They sound subversive. They sound like enemies of the state.