Valedictorian Files Suit Against School Over Religious Freedom

Stop The ACLU » Blog Archive » Valedictorian Sues School for Religious Liberty

During her 30-second message Erica spoke about her faith in Jesus Christ. Afterwards, she was escorted to see the assistant principal, who said she would not receive her diploma because of the speech she had given. Principal Brewer later indicated that her comments were “immature.” He said that she could only receive her diploma if she apologized to the school community. Erica prepared a statement saying the message was her own and was not endorsed by the principal. Brewer insisted that she include the words: “I realize that, had I asked ahead of time, I would not have been allowed to say what I did.” Erica complied because she feared the school would withhold her diploma. She was also afraid that the school would put disciplinary notes in her file and would generate negative publicity, which could prevent her from becoming a school teacher. Principal Brewer sent out Erica’s message in an e-mail to the entire high school community. Soon after, Erica received her diploma.

This is a phenomenon which has grated on me for quite some time. Anyone who dares to mention God or Jesus in a graduation speech at a high school risks losing their diploma and possibly a law suit because some people say it amounts to government approval of religion via the school. My personal opinion is that they should be able to say whatever they want about their religious beliefs. You know, it’s that whole First Amendment thing .

Just a thought – wouldn’t a simple disclaimer prior to the speech or in the program suffice to sever the perceived ties between speaker and organization?