Mold Remediation in Plymouth, MI

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Fourteen-year-old Danielle Khalaf said that an incident with her teacher at East Middle School in Plymouth has made 8th grade an anxious experience for her, 7 News Detroit reported.

She said that it started on January 10, when the Pledge of Allegiance started playing over school speakers.

"I decided I wanted to sit down because I didn't feel comfortable standing because of what's happening in Palestine," said Danielle. "After the Pledge was over the teacher addressed the class and said that anyone that was sitting down was being very disrespectful to soldiers, to America."

Danielle said that after class, she went to the teacher to explain why she was sitting, but says the teacher spoke over her continuously, ultimately saying; "Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don't like it, you should go back to [your] country."

"I was sobbing, and I ran out of the room crying," said Danielle.

She said that she ran into a different teacher and then went to the counselor's office.

Her father Jacob Khalaf said that they have since learned that the teacher admitted to the statement.

"Their only solution was to put my daughter in a different class as opposed to doing anything with the teacher; they wouldn't tell us what type of disciplinary action, if any, was taken," said Jacob.

7 News Detroit reached out to Plymouth-Canton Schools. They issued this statement:

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We want to be clear that discrimination in any form is not tolerated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously. P-CCS remains committed to fostering an environment where all students, staff, and community members feel safe, respected, and valued.

The district became aware of this incident after it occurred. As with all complaints, an investigation was conducted, and appropriate action was taken in alignment with district policies and procedures. Because this is a personnel matter, we are unable to share specific details regarding the employee involved. To support those affected, the district facilitated restorative practices between the teacher and students to address any harm and foster understanding."

The Arab American Civil Rights League, or ACRL, held a press conference Thursday to address Danielle's story.

Executive Director for the ACRL, Mariam Charara, said, "Based on what Danielle is letting us know, is that the administration had restorative practice in the classroom with the teacher and the other students, but the only student who was not in the classroom was Danielle herself."

The ACRL said they sent a letter to the school, demanding they take action, and the claim the school has not.

According to the ACRL, Danielle's story is a direct violation of her First Amendment right, and they've filed a formal complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

They say that if the district does not take action, they will file a lawsuit.

"I think the teacher needs to be removed," said Jacob.

"It was traumatizing, it hurt, and I know she could do that to other people," said Danielle.

(The-CNN-Wire & 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

Report a correction or typo

So which team will be supreme? Who will live the LIV Golf dream? Over three unmissable days in Detroit, we’ll find out which of our 13 star-studded lineups will win the 2025 Team Championship.

Fans in the Motor City will be revved up to roar their support for some of the world’s top players as LIV Golf makes its first stop in this corner of Michigan.

The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort is a new course, opened in 2024 – but this will be the stage where another thrilling chapter in the long history of professional golf is written.

LIV Golf’s Team Championship has already gained a reputation as a roller-coaster event full of shock results, sudden twists, and absolutely thrilling high quality golf.

Last year it was Ripper GC who walked away with the Team Championship trophy after a topsy-turvy final day in Dallas. The crowds that flocked to the Maridoe Club were treated to a fabulous finale to the LIV Golf season.

This year’s final event promises to be just as exciting, with so much riding on these three critical days. It’s time to get yourself a spot at the front of the line for grounds passes or hospitality - head to the Michigan 2025 ticket page to find out more.

The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort – Michigan’s new gem

For the final stop in its third full season, LIV Golf is coming to a course that will have been open for just over a year when the first shots in the Team Championship are played.

When The Cardinal opened in June 2024, it was the first new high-end public course in the Detroit area for more than 20 years. Its creation was part of a $50million renovation of the resort, which is less than 20 miles from downtown.

Golf course architect Ray Hearn designed this fabulous new layout, and still found room for a seven-hole par-three course and a contoured, two-acre putting green. He said: “Our goal was to create a fun golf experience. I believe we have achieved that, and then some, with this project.”

The result is a parkland layout that combines a cool mix of established trees and well-placed lakes while offering 18 scenic holes offering a challenge to golfers of all standards.

This course is fresh, exciting, and high-quality – which makes it a perfect match for LIV Golf. No wonder fans in Michigan and beyond are looking forward to a fantastic three-day showdown at The Cardinal.

Stake your claim for a place at The Cardinal at St John’s Resort

Even though LIV Golf will not arrive in Michigan until the end of the season, it’s a good idea to start planning your trip to the fantastic venue that will stage the Team Championship.

The Michigan 2025 hospitality page tells you everything you need to know. If you place a hospitality deposit, you’ll be at the front of the line when packages become available. You’ll be able to savor top-quality golfing action in fine style, with superb views of the play from your chosen spot.

Alternatively, join our Presale for both hospitality and grounds passes, which enable you to tour the course, get up close to the players and follow your favorites as they navigate this amazing new venue.

The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort contact details

Address: 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth, Michigan 48170

Email: golf@sjresort.com

Website: https://www.thecardinalgolf.com/

Phone: +1 734-453-1047

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.

NEWS

Hometownlife.com

PLYMOUTH — For Melissa Schabel — who’s had her nose in a book for as long as anyone can remember — putting out the welcome mat at her new bookstore feels like a dream come true.

And the day has finally come.

Elephant Ear Books opens Saturday, Nov. 16, at 449 S. Harvey St., offering a curated selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books just in time for the holiday season.

Before she went into the independent bookstore business, Schabel spent more than 20 years working as a librarian.

“The reason I loved being a librarian is that I love to talk to people about books,” said Schabel. “I just think books bring people together."

Collection includes fiction, non-fiction, children's books, puzzles and cards

The store features a general-interest collection and leans heavily on fiction, with a growing children’s section of board books, picture books and beginning readers.

Non-fiction offerings include memoirs, biographies and cookbooks. Schabel also plans to consult local teens to refine the young adult section.

Book-themed puzzles and handmade cards are available in the store.

While Schabel acknowledged she won’t be able to match the discounts of big-box retailers, she hopes the store’s personal touch will draw customers in.

“I will carry what Plymouth residents want to read, and I’m open to feedback," she said.

Father's death spurred Schabel to realize dream

While the idea of opening her own bookstore has been her vision for over a decade, Schabel said the death of her father last year made her realize it was time to pursue her own dream.

“I hope that he’ll be proud,” she said.

Her mother and stepfather, Denise and Pete Buxton, were unabashedly thrilled. The couple was in town from their home in New Hampshire to take part in the store's opening.

“We just can’t say enough how proud we are of her,” Denise Buxton said. “It’s been her dream for a long time to open a bookstore. Growing up, she always had her nose in a book. Always.”

That, Schabel said, started with an aunt and uncle who fueled her love of reading.

“They would always buy books for Christmas, and that got me started with 'Little House on the Prairie,' and Stuart Little,' 'Charlotte’s Web' … all of those,” she said. “Every year, the books would be a little more advanced and it just stuck. I’ve just loved to read ever since.”

As an adult reader, she enjoys contemporary fiction and usually prefers female authors.

“I do like to read some memoirs and some biographies,” she said, noting this year, so far, her favorite read is “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore.

Downtown Plymouth feels like home to Schabel

Schabel’s journey to Plymouth wasn’t random. After leaving her job at the Saline District Library earlier this year, she explored several small downtowns looking for the right location for the store.

Plymouth, she said, felt like home.

“I started touring downtowns that did not already have a bookstore, and somebody told me, ‘Oh you should go check out Plymouth,’” she said. “And I did. And it was the feel that I wanted. I grew up in New England, and I immediately sensed that it feels very similar here. It just felt right, so I went with my gut and here I am.”

Where did the name Elephant Ear come from?

Simply put, Elephant Ear Books reflects Schabel’s love of elephants.

“I thought it sounded fun,” she said.

The store is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays through the end of the year. In January, Schabel may adjust hours based on foot traffic.

Call Elephant Ear Books at 734-228-5314

Contact reporter Laura Colvin at lcolvin@hometownlife.com