Danielle Khalaf, a 14-year-old Palestinian-American at East Middle School in Michigan's Plymouth-Canton district, has filed a lawsuit after she was humiliated by her teacher for refusing to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance over three days in January. Danielle’s quiet protest was motivated by her objection to U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

According to the lawsuit, the teacher disrupted the class and admonished her, saying she was disrespectful to the flag and U.S. military. When Danielle later explained her reasons, the teacher allegedly told her, “If you don’t like it, you should go back to your country,” despite Danielle being a U.S. citizen 

Represented by the ACLU of Michigan and the Arab American Civil Rights League, the suit accuses both the teacher and the school district of violating Danielle’s First Amendment rights. It highlights the emotional toll on her—nightmares, stress, and social anxiety - and seeks damages and a court declaration affirming her right to free speech 

The district did place the teacher on leave and initiated corrective action, but the lawsuit argues their response was insufficient .Danielle’s case has sparked wider discussion on students’ rights and respect for peaceful protest in classrooms.