Michigan student disciplined for protesting against war on Gaza reaches settlement with school | US news
A Palestinian and Arab middle school student in Michigan who was publicly reprimanded for refusing to take the pledge of allegiance as part of a personal protest against the war in Gaza has settled with the school district following a first amendment lawsuit over his free speech rights.
The teenager, identified in court documents as DK, said he was subjected to racism from a teacher at West Middle School in Canton, Michigan, after he did not attend the swearing-in ceremony. Teacher reportedly told DK to “go back to his country,” Fox 2 Detroit reported.
In a statement following the agreement, DK described the ordeal as “horrible” and at times “overwhelming.”
“But it taught me the importance of speaking out about what I believe is right,” DK said. “I’m proud of the outcome and proud to be a part of something that reinforces how important free speech is. I’ve learned that speaking out, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky, can make a difference not only for me, but for others as well.”
14-year-old DK chose not to attend the speech on January 10, 2025, due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
DK said, “I decided to sit because I was not comfortable standing due to what happened in Palestine.” February press conference.
DK said that after the oath-taking, a teacher told the class that “everyone sitting there was very disrespectful to the soldiers and to America.” DK said that he tried to explain his opinion to the instructor, but was told that if he did not like the United States, he should return to his own country. DK then left the room in tears.
The Arab American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan later filed a lawsuit against the Plymouth-Canton community school district on behalf of DK in June 2025.
As part of the recent agreement, the Plymouth-Canton community school district pledged to provide diversity, sensitivity and first amendment training to staff. The district also agreed not to punish DK, to remove from school files any indication that his protest was inappropriate, and to provide appropriate counseling.
DK’s father, Jacob Khalaf, applauded his daughter for her courage in defending freedom of expression.
“My daughter has shown her strong moral fiber throughout all of this,” he told Fox 2 Detroit. “He had the courage to resist when an official tried to get him to waive his right to free speech, and then, with the help of the ACLU and ACRL, filed a lawsuit to ensure his and others’ rights were protected.”
A regional representative could not be reached for comment by the Guardian.
