FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – 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,” Superintendent Dr. George C. Heitsch said in an emailed statement.
Last week, Local 4 reported on a teacher who was placed on leave and is now under investigation after he allegedly got physical with a student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
The student, Stone Chaney, is a sixth-grader.
Recommended Videos
Stone had just started his first week at East Middle School, but his family isn't sure if he'll go back. Stone said he felt his rights were violated when he didn't stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
"The teacher consultant comes up behind me and snatches me out of my chair violently," Stone said. "I was so confused. I didn't know what was going on."
In reaction to the incident, 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 tomorrow,” Heitsch said.