Posted on 05/27/2021 9:11:05 PM PDT by lightman
A Michigan high school student was directed by her principal to remove religious references she included in a valedictory address she was expected to deliver on June 6.
“For me, my future hope is found in my relationship with Christ,” Hillsdale High School senior Elizabeth Turner wrote in her prepared remarks.
“By trusting in Him and choosing to live a life dedicated to bringing His kingdom glory, I can be confident that I am living a life with purpose and meaning. My identity is found by what God says and who I want to become is laid out in scripture,” she added.
Principal Amy Goldsmith reviewed Turner’s speech and advised her to “be mindful about the inclusion of religious aspects.”
“You are representing the school in the speech, not using the podium as your public forum,” Goldsmith wrote in a note to the student. “We need to be mindful about the inclusion of religious aspects. These are your strong beliefs, but they are not appropriate for a speech in a school public setting.”
I wonder if Principal Goldsmith would have censored Turner’s speech had she referenced George Floyd or Black Lives Matter or Gaza?
“I know this will frustrate you, but we have to be mindful of it,” the principal continued.
Turner responded by saying that she would not “be able to deliver a genuine speech” under the principal’s guidelines.
In my latest book, “Culture Jihad: How to Stop the Left From Killing a Nation,” I urged Americans to stand up to the Cancel Culture mob. And that’s exactly what Turner did.
She reached out to First Liberty Institute, one of the nation’s top religious liberty law firms. And they fired off a letter to the principal warning that the school had violated the U.S. Constitution.
“Graduation is a time for celebration not censorship,” said First Liberty attorney Keisha Russell. “Students retain their constitutional rights to freedom of expression from elementary school all the way through the graduation ceremony. All public schools should protect the private religious expression of their students.”
Sue the school district, City and (individually) the Principal and School Board members. Do what the left would do and do it harder.
Years ago when a similar situation came up, the audience on cue, sneezed together at the end of the Val’s speech, who then, very loudly, yelled, “GOD BLESS YOU” to the roar of the crowd.
She should do this.
“Need to be mindful”
That sounds like a good title for a Valedictorian speech and she could encourage the principal to be mindful of the first amendment as she avails herself of those rights.
unconstitutional to prevent a student from proclaiming allegiance to Christ or God or to thank Them=- already been ruled on i believe-
Mindfulness is a part of some other religion. Is that what the principal wants this young lady to practice? I’m so confused.
+1
Be mindful of the First Amendment.
Be mindful of the First Commandment.
Give the speech anyways. When they cut the mic pull out a megaphone and continue. If they try to escort her off have some football players on standby to surround her.
I like your thinking!
Graduation gowns are great for concealing bullhorns.
The principal needs to be reminded that God is in charge of her very next breath.
she could declare herself a blm supporter- they would never dare do anything to her then
Tell her to get the diploma sent. Walk away from these fools.
“...or prohibit the free exercise thereof...”
These administrators have never read the Constitution nor do they support its rights guaranteed to adults and children alike.
The school caved and will allow the speech as originally written.
Principal Amy Goldsmith seems to be a special member of a special group who hates common people outside her special group. Sad. The student is correct: He alone gives us joy.
Make sure video cameras are rolling.
Deliver the speech as she wants
Make them run onto the stage and shut it down on camera.
AWESOME NEWS...especially on the eve of The Memorial Day weekend!
Our hallowed dead have “not died in vain...”
Oh, I forgot, make sure to mention what the principal wanted her to do.
lawsuit
she will win
i’d do the speech anyway
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