FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – It's a civics lesson in real time for 11-year-old Stone Chaney and his classmates at East Middle School in Farmington Hills.
It was the first week of school for the 6th-grader. His classmates stood for the Pledge of Allegiance morning ritual while Stone did not.
What happened next has prompted controversy at the school. Administrators were concerned it could affect classes Monday morning.
"A teacher consultant comes up from behind me and snatches me up out of my chair violently. I was just so confused. I didn't know what was going on," Stone said.
The next day, Stone said, another teacher yelled at him.
"I don't stand for the Pledge, because I don't pledge to a flag. I pledge to God and my family," he said.
Stone's father, Brian Chaney, said it's his son's choice.
"It's his choice to sit. I don't make him sit. It's his choice, and they should respect that," said Brian Chaney.
Stoney said he doesn't feel safe going to the school anymore.
"I don't know what they're going to do to me next," he said.
Teacher on leave
The teacher has been placed on leave while the incident is under investigation. A substitute teacher also was dismissed and asked not to return to the Farmington Public Schools district.
"We also have much to learn from our families during difficult situations," said Farmington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. George Heitsch. "In cases such as this, even as an investigation is underway, we have an opportunity for constructive dialogue and engagement. As a district, we are committed to continuous improvement and this is an opportunity to learn and grow. My concern is that on two consecutive days, we have allegations that teachers engaged a student in a disrespectful and inappropriate fashion. No child in Farmington Public Schools should ever feel threatened or disrespected for holding viewpoint that differ from a teacher or staff member."
School district prepares for rally
Farmington Public Schools is taking precautions in order to ensure a smooth start to the school day at East Middle School on Monday, the superintendent said Sunday.
“As you may have heard, there is a rally being planned outside of East Middle School on Monday at 7:30 a.m., in response to an incident at East involving the Pledge of Allegiance,” Heitsch said in an emailed statement.
Farmington Hills police have been notified about the planned rally and officers have committed to providing additional support in the morning.
The superintendent also has been trying to connect with the parent organizing the rally so that the rally and the start of the school day can coincide.
The Central Office will send over administrators as well, to help support East staffers.
“I assure you that everyone is taking all of this very seriously and we expect that we will have a good day of learning (Monday),” Heitsch said.
No protesters show
As of 7:30 a.m. Monday, there were no protesters at the school. Police officers and school administrators were surrounding the school.
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