Michigan valedictorian's speech censored, criticized as 'very Christianized'
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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.
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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.
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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. -
MagneticMonopole — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 07:15 PM)
Right, that's what HER lawyers say–and they may very well be right, but they could also be full of crap. There have been similar cases before where proselytizing speech at a public school was ruled unconstitutional. I just don't remember what the specific rules are.
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rouge — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:54 PM)
Because of it, some innocent college campus may be spared one sign-wielding, demon-denouncing warrior of God in the future.
Hahaha I sent pinky’s article to my husband and he basically had the same response as you: “poor baby, wait until she gets a real position in the real world.”
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Cerridwen — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 06:57 PM)
She'll either get roasted for her speech after being allowed to give it, or will be vindicated and martyred by the Christian right if denied. Which is the more fun option?
Cynicism aside, it really is a garbage speech, whether or not she should be allowed to give it.
Hark! Harold the angel sings. -
Jan_El_Senor — 4 years ago(June 02, 2021 08:29 PM)
It's a bad speech even considered in the context of evangelizing. The only people who will praise that speech are other Christians (and most of them won't). That speech will only serve to turn off non-believers and give them a greater disdain for religion.
It's like those ****ty "Christian" movies like
God's Not Dead
. Non-Christians can't stomach them, and even believing Christians know deep down that the movies suck.
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rouge — 4 years ago(June 03, 2021 02:53 AM)
An honours speech isn't about lecturing to the audience and telling them they're all wrong in their belief systems. How did she ever graduate? (That's a real, genuine question by the way. I sincerely am curious how she made it that far, much less valedictorian).
I think we’re all secretly asking ourselves this question. Valedictorians are typically well-rounded, socially adept, and demonstrate great maturity. Her speech lacks all of that. I wonder if this just happens to be a really rural school with not much diversity in thinking?
Her entire speech is faith-based, and not education-based. I get it, it's a no win situation regardless, but I've never been in any academic situation where anything of this sort would have been allowed.
Same, that’s why it’s so shocking to me. I imagine if someone else of a different faith was selected as valedictorian and spoke about everyone needing to accept THEIR deity or else suffer eternal damnation, she’d be the first to make a stink about it
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