News

Actions

Rally for metro Detroit student allegedly assaulted over pledge of allegiance

Posted at 5:58 PM, Sep 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-18 12:22:25-04

A rally was held at East Middle School in Farmington Hills on Monday in response to a student saying he was assaulted for sitting down during the pledge of allegiance.

The rally was organized by a parent. The Farmington Hills Police Department has been notified about the rally. 

"I assure you that everyone is taking all of this very seriously and we expect that we will have a good day of learning tomorrow," said George Heitsch, superintendent of Farmington Public Schools.

According to Brian Chaney, his 11-year old son Stone Chaney was in homeroom class the first week of school when a teacher snatched him out of his seat and forced him to stand for the pledge.

"He said, 'During the pledge the teacher snatched me out of my chair,'” Brian said. 

Stone is a sixth grader at East Middle School in Farmington Hills. 

He says he’s been sitting for the pledge since second grade when his father explained why he had the choice. 

His father says there’s never been an issue until now. 

Stone says the next day, another teacher yelled at him for the same thing, asking him if he had permission to sit during the pledge.

"For him to be violently snatched out of his chair by a lady and order him to stand and for her to just glare at him, it's wrong, it's a violation of civil rights.”

Farmington Public Schools Superintendent George Heitsch says they’re investigating the allegations.

“We respect the rights of any individual to make personal choices around issues of faith and beliefs. We're disappointed that we're even having the conversation,” Heitsch said. 

One staff member has been placed on administrative leave.