An 8th-grader in Illinois was barred from giving a graduation speech because it included Bible verses. But he didn’t let some school bureaucrats stifle his speech.
Seth Clark lives in the tiny rural town of Akin in southern Illinois. He was the salutatorian at Akin Community Grade school and because of his academic accomplishments was asked to speak at the school’s commencement.
But when Seth submitted his speech for approval a local citizen complained because it included references to God and the Bible. So school officials told the 13-year-old he couldn’t deliver the speech.
Akin Superintendent and Principal Kelly Clark said,“While students are welcome to pray or pursue their faith without disrupting school or infringing upon the rights of others, the United States Constitution prohibits the school district from incorporating such activities as part of school-sponsored events, and when the context causes a captive audience to listen or compels other students to participate.”
That’s when Rickey Karroll — a friend of Seth’s family — offered his property for the speech. It just across the street from the school.
Right after the May 16 ceremony, Seth — still dressed in his cap and gown — marched across the road along with classmates and dozens of supporters.
He stood on the front porch of the house on Karroll’s property and read his speech.
And by the way, Seth’s parents are school board members and said they’re proud of their son.