Reports: Teen lied about Muslim student not standing for pledge

Reported by: Elizabeth Dinh
Email: edinh@wfts.com
Last Update: 9/02/2009 3:57 am

	Hernando student suspended over comments made to Muslim classmate
	Teen afraid to return to school after being accused of lying

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SPRING HILL, FL -- The controversy over a Hernando County student who made a disparaging remark to a Muslim girl has taken a new turn. 16-year-old Heather Lawrence claimed the girl did not stand during the pledge of allegiance in class last week.

According to multiple reports, Springstead High School Principal Susan Duval said she spoke with the teacher who was in the classroom with the Muslim girl at the time of the pledge. The teacher confirmed the girl was standing.

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Lawrence says she was walking by the girl's classroom and saw sitting down during the pledge. Later, Lawrence says she told the girl to take the muslim head scarf off, or hijab, and stand up.

The Muslim student walked away from Heather's confrontation. A school staff member then reported the incident.

"You know, I made a not-so-kind remark, and I do sincerely apologize for referring to the thing on her head because that had nothing to do with it." Lawrence told us, "But I told her, why don't she act like she's proud to be an American."

WATCH: Patriotism or prejudice? Teen suspended for criticizing Muslim student

Despite the open apology to the girl, the President of the Tampa/Hillsborough County Human Rights Council says Heather's actions were harmful and the school was right for taking action.

"But whether standing up or not, this issue's not about the pledge of allegiance or anything else." Council President Ahmed Bedier said. "This is about bullying and it's about discrimination."

Bedier says the Muslim student's family contacted him and said she did stand up for the pledge.

Meanwhile, Hernando school board member Pat Fagan said he didn't want to comment about the school's decision to suspend Heather, but told us people, in general, should think before they speak.

The school suspended Lawrence for five days, which has since been reduced to three days.

The Muslim girl's identity has not been released.

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