A Michigan high school is reversing its opposition to a valedictorian’s speech after a complaint alleged the principal’s criticism was violating the First Amendment.
Fox News reported on First Liberty’s legal complaint, which maintained that student Elizabeth Turner would be engaging in private, legally protected speech even though it was set to take place at a public graduation.
A day later, the law firm announced that school officials at Hillsdale High School had reversed course.
Turner said of the news – “I’m grateful I will be able to share my faith with my classmates, and I pray that God uses this situation to advance His kingdom.”
Turner’s draft speech read in part: “For me, my future hope is found in my relationship with Christ. 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.”
A screenshot attached to the letter showed Hillsdale Principal Amy Goldsmith highlighting that portion in a Google doc and urging Turner not to use religious language.
Goldsmith wrote – “[Y]ou are representing the school in the speech, not using the podium as your public forum.”
Following the reversal, Superintendent Shawn Vondra told Fox News “the school district is committed to the protection and expression of First Amendment-protected content for students.”