A high school valedictorian was cut off during a graduation ceremony after bringing up issues on ICE, and it doesn’t seem like freedom of speech applies anymore.
The North Carolina high school graduate, Leen Hijaz, voiced her opinion on ICE and recent global issues, and she quickly was removed from the stage. Her diploma was put in jeopardy for a moment, due to her speech going off the script.
A statement from the school district was, “School administrators intervened in order to maintain the integrity and focus of the program in real time. This action was not about limiting a student’s voice, but about ensuring that a school-sponsored event remained consistent with its intended purpose,” according to USA Today.
Some commend her courage, but others such as the school administration, felt that she should not have “departed” from her original speech. This student gained respect from others for her ability to use her voice for others who cannot, and though it might not been the right time or place to state her message according to others, being penalized for freedom of speech is inhumane and unacceptable.
According to the article, “The Council on American-Islamic Relations applauded Hijaz’s speech and said schools should “encourage thoughtful civic engagement, not suppress it.” There are many opinions on this situation, and the student is being praised for her courage and voice.
“We commend Leen Hijaz for demonstrating the moral courage to speak out on behalf of people whose voices are too often ignored,” her followers said. Again, the student is being validated here because the individuals who advocate for free speech understand her reasons for voicing this concern.
Overall, the situation brings much confusion about free speech and what we are allowed to say anymore. Does freedom of speech still exist? Were the valedictorian’s comments completely out of line? Opinions will vary, but maybe there just needs to be a balance, as long as it doesn’t limit the sharing of one’s opinions. Students should be able to use their voices to express a topic or opinion on something and not be penalized or threatened to lose their privileges to graduate for simply expressing how they feel.
