ACLU Files Lawsuit Against School District Over Student’s Rights

News Summary

The ACLU and the Arab American Civil Rights League have initiated a lawsuit against the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools District regarding the treatment of a 14-year-old Palestinian student. The case follows an incident where the student, known as D.K., refused to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, leading to alleged reprimand and emotional distress. The lawsuit emphasizes the violation of First Amendment rights and calls for accountability from the school district, alongside a demand for changes in training and practices regarding diversity and inclusion.

Plymouth, Michigan – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan and the Arab American Civil Rights League have filed a lawsuit against the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools District and a teacher. The suit, filed on June 26, 2025, stems from an incident involving a 14-year-old middle school student identified only as “D.K.,” who is of Palestinian descent. The events in question occurred after D.K. chose to remain seated during the Pledge of Allegiance on two occasions, January 6 and January 10, 2025, citing her political beliefs related to U.S. military actions in Gaza.

According to the lawsuit, D.K.’s teacher allegedly reprimanded her in front of her classmates, stating that her actions were “specifically disrespectful to U.S. military forces and the flag.” D.K. attempted to discuss her reasoning with the teacher after class on January 10 but was reportedly told that if she did not appreciate living in the United States, she should “go back to [her] country.” This interaction is claimed to have led to significant emotional distress for D.K., including sleep disturbances, nightmares, stress, anxiety, and a decline in her academic performance.

Prior to the incident, D.K. was an exemplary student with a nearly perfect academic record. The lawsuit alleges that the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools failed to safeguard her First Amendment rights and fostered an environment of intimidation instead. In response to the incident, the Arab American Civil Rights League conducted a press conference in February 2025, demanding accountability from the school district.

D.K.’s family lodged a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, requesting an investigation and disciplinary action against the teacher. Their lawsuit seeks a public apology from the school district, mandatory training in diversity, equity, and inclusion, alongside unspecified financial compensation.

In the wake of the complaint, the district placed the implicated teacher on leave and initiated an investigation while stating that they were implementing restorative practices to address any harm caused by the incident. However, D.K.’s family expressed disappointment with the school’s response, noting that the administration did not reach out to D.K. to offer support or issue an apology.

The lawsuit refers to a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 1943 (West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette), which upheld students’ rights to abstain from the Pledge of Allegiance, reinforcing the legal premise of D.K.’s choice. The ACLU’s interim legal director highlighted the critical importance of protecting free speech and the right to refrain from participating in the Pledge of Allegiance as a form of protest.

Although the school district has emphasized its commitment to addressing the issue, parent feedback indicates a lack of sufficient action. D.K.’s father criticized the school’s handling of the situation, stating that the only measure taken was moving D.K. to a different classroom, without addressing the teacher’s behavior directly. This handling of the situation has further isolated D.K., impacting her mental well-being during a crucial developmental phase of her adolescence, where peer interaction is vital.

The Plymouth-Canton Community Schools District continues its investigation into the incident, while the ongoing lawsuit raises substantial questions about the balance between educators’ authority and students’ rights to free speech in academic environments. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has garnered attention from civil rights advocates who are closely monitoring how the school district will address both the allegations and the broader implications of the case.