The teenager, identified as DK in court documents, faced racism from a teacher at West Middle School in Canton, Michigan, after she did not participate in the pledge. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the teacher reportedly told DK to 'go back to her country'. DK, who is 14 years old, chose not to participate in the pledge on January 10, 2025, due to the continuing war on Gaza.
After the pledge, a teacher told the class that anyone sitting down was being very disrespectful to soldiers and America, DK said. DK later left the room in tears. The Arab American Civil Rights League and the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit in June 2025 against the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district on behalf of DK.
But it taught me the importance of speaking up for what I believe is right. I feel proud of the outcome and of being part of something that reinforces how important free speech is. I've learned that even when it feels uncomfortable or risky, speaking out can make a difference, not just for me, but for others as well.
As part of the settlement, the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district has pledged to provide diversity, sensitivity, and First Amendment training for staff. The district has also agreed not to punish DK, remove any indication from school files that suggest her protest was inappropriate, and provide needed counseling. A representative of the district could not be reached for comment by The Guardian.
The identity and current status of the teacher involved in the incident remain unknown, as do the specific terms and financial details of the settlement. It is unclear whether the school district has admitted any wrongdoing or liability in the case, and the exact nature and timeline of the training for staff have not been disclosed.
I decided I wanted to sit down because I didn't feel comfortable standing because of what's happening in Palestine.