Michigan valedictorian's speech censored, criticized as 'very Christianized'
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Steve Lake — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:05 PM)
She is not "promoting " her faith. She was not actively proselytizing .
What she was doing was reaffirming her faith. As her faith is obviously a huge reason for both her academic success and emotional maturity.
The only poster who had his account banned 4 times without ever breaking any rules each of those times. -
FreeHugs — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:14 PM)
According to the article, she was
criticizing other philosophies and asserting "[t]he purpose of life is to live a life devoted to Christ.
That sounds like proselytizing to me. If she said something general like "my faith has helped me through the year" or "with faith and hard work, all challenges can be overcome" that would have been fine. -
rouge — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:22 PM)
Speaking as an Orthodox Christian, I think God will be okay if he isn’t mentioned in one speech.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
come here -
hungrytheheretic — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 08:03 PM)
Well you just aren't very bright, Tykohn. The article itself fully explains that this is not the case and the student has the right to express her own views. Your lack of reading comprehension on top of being a liberal douchebag is astounding, but not surprising.
Bring. More. Sheep. -
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rouge — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 05:55 PM)
I was just at a graduation where the valedictorian rambled about her BFFs and karaoke nights. I wish schools would mitigate that… they’re invited up there to speak on behalf of their class
But seriously speaking, I’m of the opinion that the school does have the right to censor her speech regardless of the content. When I graduated, all speeches had to be reviewed and approved ahead of time. Any deviation, no matter the subject, would be met with scrutiny or rejection. I bet they had the same rule.
come here -
MONGY — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:37 PM)
i think speeches of almost all kinds are a huge waste. something like bald Nikita K at the UN making a ruckus is worthwhile. but anybody who later on says they were "motivated" or "influenced" by a high school grad speech is a clod.
the person who had this honor of giving a valedictorian speech at my HS walked up to the podium, looked out at the class assembled on the football field, glanced at the families in the stands, said " Good bye", and then left. i believe he went to MIT and then a dual law&MBA at harvard. -
rouge — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:42 PM)
the person who had this honor of giving a valedictorian speech at my HS walked up to the podium, looked out at the class assembled on the football field, glanced at the families in the stands, said " Good bye", and then left. i believe he went to MIT and then a dual law&MBA at harvard.
Badass
come here -
Jan_El_Senor — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:10 PM)
I'd have to see the actual speech to decide. I'm leaning towards siding with the school because the topic of faith seems off-topic for a valedictorian speech.
Though using the terminology 'very Christianized' seems like it was intended to invite press coverage and drama.
Grade "A" Fully Loaded
"Sexy as Hell" -
Steve Lake — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:19 PM)
The topic can be anything the valedictorian wants it to be. As long as the topic is not advocating for violence against anyone.
Or isn't promoting or calling on others to commit crimes.
Meaning No Antifa or Black Lies Matters references can be or should be allowed.
The only poster who had his account banned 4 times without ever breaking any rules each of those times. -
FreeHugs — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:25 PM)
The school has now said they will allow her to proceed with a disclaimer saying the school does not endorse the speech.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/school-to-allow-valedictorian-to-give-christianized-speech.html
From that article:
Lefler’s speech encouraged students not to waste their lives, presented the Gospel and shared how trusting in Christ allows one’s purpose to be fulfilled.
“Seeing that man is completely unable to achieve perfection, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the perfect life of Jesus Christ, who is God in flesh,” Lefler’s speech draft read.
“He not only lived perfectly, but he was killed on a cross and took the punishment that humans deserve,” her speech continued. “Then he rose from the dead three days later, thus vindicating His holiness and divinity. This allows us to fulfill our purpose in glorifying God because we can now stand before Him blameless if we repent and trust in Christ and His finished work. May His name be praised forever!”
Lefler’s speech encouraged her classmates to “seek the truth," citing John Piper’s book Don’t Waste Your Life. She argued that the purposes of life reflected by the teachings of Plato, Charles Darwin and other religions are “wrong.”
“The purpose of life is to live a life devoted to Christ,” the draft of her speech read.
The student's speech draft also stated that "man is unholy, bad, and unjust." -
Cerridwen — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:49 PM)
Nah. I'm all for people showing their ass in front of others. She didn't necessarily attack anyone, so the school should let it slide. This will be a lesson in the consequences of preaching to an unwilling audience.
Because of it, some innocent college campus may be spared one sign-wielding, demon-denouncing warrior of God in the future.
I must admit I'm surprised she has the brains to make Valedictorian if she truly believes Darwin was wrong, though.
Hark! Harold the angel sings. -
Penelope — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 07:10 PM)
It's a public school, and the law firm representing her: " . . . the school mistakenly interpreted student speeches as communicating on behalf of the school. U.S. Department of Education guidance, as the firm notes, says that graduation speeches are considered private and constitutionally protected."
So, it appears she does have a right to make the speech, and the school can publish a disclaimer stating it's her views, and does not represent that of the school.