‘Don’t Like It? Leave’: US Student Humiliated For Refusing To Recite Pledge Over Gaza War

Last Updated:June 26, 2025, 21:43 IST

Danielle Khalaf, a 14-year-old student, alleged that she was humiliated by a teacher for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Danielle Khalaf, a 14-year-old Palestinian-American student, sued her teacher for admonishing her for not reciting the “pledge of allegiance”. (IMAGE: FOX BUSINESS)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Danielle Khalaf, a 14-year-old Palestinian-American student who says a teacher humiliated her for refusing to stand for the US Pledge of Allegiance in protest against Washington’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

The Pledge of Allegiance in the United States is a short statement of loyalty to the American flag and the nation. It’s traditionally recited by students at the beginning of the school day in many public schools across the US.

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," are the words for the pledge.

Refusing to stand for or recite the pledge, especially in protest, is protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League in their lawsuit alleged the same and have sought a financial award claiming that it demoralised 14-year-old Khalaf.

“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 was quoted as saying by WXYZ-TV.

The lawsuit claims that Danielle’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".

Danielle’s family is of Palestinian descent and she declined to recite the pledge over three days in January. The lawsuit outlines that the teacher admonished her, calling her behavior disrespectful.

The lawsuit states that she “suffered extensive emotional and social injuries" and also suffered from nightmares, stress and strained friendships.

“It was traumatising, it hurt and I know she could do that to other people," Danielle said at a news conference earlier this year.

Members of the school district said that it has taken “appropriate action" but did not specify what those actions were, the WXYZ-TV said.

“Discrimination in any form is not tolerated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously," the district said.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

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News world ‘Don’t Like It? Leave’: US Student Humiliated For Refusing To Recite Pledge Over Gaza War