Overview

• The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit on June 25 against Plymouth-Canton Community Schools on behalf of 14-year-old Danielle Khalaf.
• Khalaf declined to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance over three days in January to protest U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
• The complaint alleges a teacher humiliated her by telling her to “go back to [her] country” and branding her protest disrespectful.
• Danielle’s suit describes emotional injuries including nightmares, stress and strained friendships resulting from the incident.
• It claims the district’s response fell short of protecting her free speech rights and seeks financial compensation.