Faith

High School Tells Valedictorian He Can‘t Say How ’God Had Changed His Life’

High School Tells Valedictorian He Cant Say How God Had Changed His Life

Image: Burlington Free Press

This graduation season, The Blaze has covered a number of stories about the limitations that have been placed on students’ commencement garments and public prayer rights. Now add a ban on explaining how God changed your life to the list.

Kyle Gearwar, the valedictorian of Fair Haven Union High School in Fair Haven, Vermont, says that he was told by school officials that he couldn’t include specific information about how God has changed his life in his commencement address.

Gearwar told the crowd during his ceremony last Friday that he was only allowed to deliver half of the speech he had wanted to. The Burlington Free Press has more:

“It is a fine line here. Here’s freedom of speech and here’s separation of church and state,” Fair Haven Union High School principal Brett Blanchard said. “The line is generally the difference between proselytizing and personalizing.”

Gearwar was allowed to mention God and Jesus in the accepted portion of his speech, Blanchard noted, but he said public schools have to be careful about allowing someone to preach their religion at a school-sanctioned event.

Gearwar claims that he isn’t interested in setting off a firestorm or engaging in the infamous church versus state debate. The former student said he had simply hoped his words would help others. According to the Free Press, he told the audience:

“I have always dreamed of speaking about God in front of my school as the valedictorian,” he said in his speech. “This was the message God gave to me, and I am not allowed to share it with you even though it is my testimony, the most important change my life has ever experienced, and the one thing that I stand for no matter what.”

Since the incident, the entire text of the speech has been published by The Rutland Herald. Among the likely controversial words is the following:

I wouldn’t be standing before you without the blessings God has given me through my tough situations. He is the reason I am the man I am today, made new through Jesus death on the cross.

Watch below for more from CBN News:

To recap other recent Blaze stories about graduation crackdowns: two students were told they couldn’t wear Army sashes, a Marine was told she couldn’t wear her uniform during her ceremony, Texas students were almost forbidden from praying by their school district and the ACLU forced a district in New Jersey to cover religious symbols during commencement.

Comments (256)

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  • Black Manta
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:18pm

    These humans are RIDUNKULOUS….

    Report Post » Black Manta  
  • KrimsonSkies
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:15pm

    This just means that God has bigger plans for him

    Report Post » KrimsonSkies  
  • pandora
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:13pm

    No one in the press will ever admit that there is no such thing as separation of church and state. That is because most of them do not have a clue about the founding of this country. They were more interested in classes that had politically correct content and meaningless things like women’s studies and communications. Sorry women, you really know enough about being a woman without taking a class in political correctness. History has been replaced with “Social Studies”. That covers over large periods of history from the beginning of mankind without ever examining why anything actually occurred. Even history is studied as sound bytes.

    Report Post »  
  • grannyjojo
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:08pm

    The piece by piece by piece dissolvement of our rights began a long time ago and now its at the point where it has become very obvious to millions of American citizens. Our parents and grandparents were part of the problem, even though their intentions have, for the most part, been admirable. A small thing here and there and before we knew it we‘re being slapped in the face with the freedoms we’ve always thought would be there, taken away and short of standing up and fighting (I don’t mean physically) to regain them, we are lost and so is our republic. I know that, for the most part, we NEVER thought what we were allowing to be passed in our legislatures, congress and local communities would result in this horrendous cancer that is gaining speed and eating away at our country.

    In order to gain our republic and freedoms back we’re going to have to take a severe beating and the opposition will fight as hard as they can to keep things the way they are. Being a republic and a free nation not only takes perseverance but the desire to be free so much that we are each willing to sacrifice for that freedom. That sacrifice entails more then “military” sacrifice, such as personal sacrifice, ie, having the state not come running to us when things get hard, like food stamps, etc. The return of our freedoms encapsulates our hearts, spirits, characters and love of God and country. I believe we HAVE that desire. God bless “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess”

    Report Post »  
    • republapig
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:54pm

      The problem is we have two groups of people. The earners and the takers. The earners work for a living and are productive. The takers live off the earners and are non-productive. The takers are now getting to the point where they can out-vote the earners, so they vote in leaders who promise to GIVE them more of what the earners produce. When the takers outnumber the earners to an extent that can’t support the system, we will have Anarchy.

      Report Post » republapig  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:02pm

    God bless that young man and God bless these politicians and give them the wisdom to see the error of their ways.

    Report Post »  
  • Bill in Texas
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:02pm

    If there ever was a place for civil disobedience, this is it! Spread the Gospel!

    Report Post »  
  • TheDebtWeAllPay
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:58pm

    America gota love it

    Report Post » TheDebtWeAllPay  
  • Brian
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:54pm

    “It is a fine line here. Here’s freedom of speech and here’s separation of church and state,”

    No, not really a fine line at all. The former is addressed in the Constitution, the latter is not.

    Report Post »  
  • frustratedwithgovt
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:49pm

    I’m guessing that If he wanted to that Allah that would be ok….

    Report Post » frustratedwithgovt  
  • FANGS
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:47pm

    It’s time to vote For Rick Perry. We Are a Christian Country And The 50 Year Assult on our Religion Must end. We must Return to the ways and Teachings of God into our Lives and Public School systems. Our survival and future depends apon Christianity being Taught in our Schools. We must Crush the evil Government.

    Report Post »  
  • DaveOregon
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:46pm

    Separation of Church and State my fat a$$! The SCHOOL or it‘s ADMINISTRATORS can’t make biblical references – but NOT speakers. The kid’s a graduate – not a school employee!

    Report Post »  
    • Mandors
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:22pm

      Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! Correct answer!
      He, as valedictorian, is not a state actor for church and state separation purposes. There is no conflict.

      Report Post » Mandors  
  • ICEDRAGONNITE
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:46pm

    The school system is frightened of a god they cannot see; with good reason. HE IS ABOUT TO RETURN AND SMOKE THE GODLESS OF THIS NATION AND WORLD. CALL ME A CRACK POT BUT KEEP THAT TWITCH, so you can still look over your shoulder. BUT HE IS GOING TO MEET YOU HEAD ON. GOOD LUCK SUCKERS.

    Report Post » ICEDRAGONNITE  
    • republapig
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:16pm

      Won’t Zombie boy be surprised? I can just see him on judgement day: But, but, I don’t beleive in you!

      Report Post » republapig  
  • NJTMATO
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:45pm

    Sure, we can have a “Weiner” posted all over, printed in newspapers, discussed all over the media, all over the radio, in coffee shops and around a water cooler but Communis be damned…NO glory to God is allowed! Disgraceful! God Bless Us.

    Report Post » NJTMATO  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:44pm

    It could be a idle threat but nothing would happen if he did it.

    What would the school do if he went off an approved script and talk about god. Run on stage and tackle him to the ground. Shot him from a sniper tower or was a union goon with dillinger in his back for the whole speech. May be the podium was full of explosive and would blow up if he talk about god. Would the school make him fail gym so he can not be Valedictorian any more and take away his diploma. Have his scholarships rejected to he can not go to the university. Take him in Federal court.

    Report Post » TJexcite  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:38pm

    Now, if he was a Muslim…….. if it’s Christan, it’s seperation of church and state. same old crap new day.

    Report Post »  
    • republapig
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:55pm

      A muslim or even church of satan. It’s all ok except God & Jesus.

      Report Post » republapig  
    • palerider54
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:01pm

      @CLOUDSOFWAR, You are so right, the problem is that the MLMedia and the liberals will not admit that we are in a Holy War, and have been for thousands of yrs.
      When you have one religion saying convert or die, you have a war.

      @REPUBLAPIG, I totally agree, almost.
      When I mention something about God to my friends and co-workers, they are all good with talking about the All Mighty, The Big Guy upstairs etc. but when you get personal and ask if they know Jesus, they get nervous. There is even power in his name alone.

      Report Post »  
  • warner
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:33pm

    Because we all know that telling people about Jesus is such a nasty thing. The Lord said we would be persecuted as He was… this young man should wear this day as a day he put on the Armor and had hi sfeet firmly planted. People know the gospel…and each situation like this plants that seed to what it’s all about. Good job…young man! Wish we had more like you!

    Report Post »  
  • boston-rightwinger
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:30pm

    It’s ok to talk about drugs, hate, sex, evil businessmen, but not the love of God. Something has gone terribly wrong. New England was the beginning of this great Nation. I may be the beginning of its end.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:36pm

      Yeah, New England! ‘Cause that’s where Plymouth was founded in 1620!

      … screw Jamestown (1607).

      Ok, sure, but MA was totally the first state to ratify the Constitution, right? Oh, right. Delaware. Darn it again.

      (Just messing with you, but soundbites sound good until they hit facts :-) )

      Report Post »  
    • boston-rightwinger
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:03pm

      I think the shot heard around the world happened in Boston
      The battles at Lexington and Concord
      The original tea party
      I think Jamestown was the first socialist community

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:13pm

      @Boston

      I’m not sure if you were trying to be silly, or legitimately don’t know that the “Shot heard round the world” was in Lexington and expanded into the battle of Lexington and Concord.

      Or that you didn’t know that Jamestown was founded as a commercial colony to find gold and resources in the new world.

      Capitalism at its finest. Are you sure you’re from Boston?

      Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:30pm

    Still believe you live in a free country.???? Not since ‘diversity’ and ‘civil rights laws’.

    Report Post »  
  • flsnipe
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:25pm

    We have realy moved foward in the right direction in the last 50 years, God help us.

    Report Post » flsnipe  
  • lylejk
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:23pm

    First of all, the student does not work for the government so it’s not a separation of Church and State issue and the Supreme Court has had similar cases and has always sided on the side of the student. I would tell the lad to say whatever he feels he needs too. He has the bully pulpit and they can’t stop him from doing so. Short of yelling fire in a movie theatre, you have free speech rights. Use it or loose it. :)

    Report Post » lylejk  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:35pm

      AND he certainly earned it.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:40pm

      lylejk, I have no doubt if he tried it anyway they would cut his mic. It would be great to see him martyr his speech to make the point.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:29pm

      @Lylejk

      Could you point out some recent Supreme Court of the US cases that support this? The most recent I could find is 1995 Santa Fe v. Doe which upheld 6-3 that prayer by students during a public school graduation is a violation of church and state. If there is something more recent since then, I’d love to know it. I’ve heard of cases in lower courts going the other way (there was a 2009 case in Texas’s Supreme Court, but the SCotUS ruling takes priority, being the higher court).

      Report Post »  
    • NewDawn
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:13am

      Actually 1995 Santa Fe v. Doe refers to a case of a school that organized and sponsored student prayer. A valedictorian is given the opportunity to make a speech because of his or her accomplishments and do not receive direction to pray. In this particular case the valedictorian is giving a testimony and record of how he believes he was successful. I am curious on how that can be determined to be sanctioned prayer and if it cannot be then 1995 Santa Fe v. Doe does not apply.

      Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:23pm

    when will we learn? removing God from our lives is the reason we are in SO much trouble as a nation and a world

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • Ghastlyone
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:22pm

    “Gearwar claims that he isn’t interested in setting off a firestorm or engaging in the infamous church versus state debate.”

    There’s nothing to debate, because there’s nothing in the US Constitution regarding separation of church and state. Don’t tell a leftist that though.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:29pm

      Cough… do you believe in the Supreme Court and judicial review, upon which our laws are established? Because, uh, they have said the Constitutional first amendment does infer a separation of church and state, and as they’ve been the go-to authority for Constitutional rulings for about 200 years, they have much more influence.

      Thankfully, there IS an authority for interpreting the Constitution. Unfortunately for your point, their decision says your facts are wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • Ghastlyone
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:18am

      I interpret the Constitution by what’s written in it. There isn’t a damn thing written in it about separation of church and state.

      Report Post »  
    • DavidD
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:10pm

      I don’t care what the supreme court says, they’ve been wrong before and are wrong now. The Constitution does not say one cannot express/discuss their religion in the public square. Americans have expressed/discussed their religion (mainly Christian, I know I know those bastard extremist Christians) in the public square for hundreds of years. “Locked” and others have no point, but lots of wishful thinking and sarcasm to disguise their weak logic and inner loyalty to the dark side. They need to read up on their American history and less time going with the flow. Start by reading “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States” if you have the courage to do so. If that doesn’t draw a stark contrast for you, the nothing will. Progressives have slowly destroyed the Christian foundation of America brick by brick, and now feel strong enough to lecture us into silence and walking around on eggshells with our religion. Sorry, won’t work on all of us, but feel free to keep trying!

      Report Post » DavidD  
  • 9thCommandment
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:22pm

    Vouchers would rectify these problems from sex surveys to not praying to not knowing the fundamentals. The Repubes need to step up & end the DOE.

    Report Post »  
    • 2010GOP
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:40pm

      Here you are wrong. You only ask for the Republicans to stand up for our Constitution. Democrats should stand up for these issues as well. Don’t get caught in ideology, look at the candidate.. study the candidate, then elect that candidate, then hold him accountable for why you voted for him/her in the first place.

      Report Post »  
  • Showtime
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:22pm

    Violation of his Constitutional right to free speech.

    Why don’t government officials object when some Muslim radical hollers “Allah Akbar” when he’s killing Americans?

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:35pm

      Because the ACLU or the DOJ will step in & defend them .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:53pm

      Because the people that want to destroy this country and freedom are the ones making the decisions. That is why “right is wrong and wrong is right”. People… we need to get active, involved and in their faces. I have kind of slacked off since all the town hall meetings and stuff from a year or so back. But we start again we Tea parties this weekend and 4th of July!! Back in action… don’t ever let up!

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:26pm

      Because they aren’t valedictorians in a public school? If he were a Muslim student up there talking about his ascent from an infidel to a servant of Islam and ended with “Insha Allah!“ instead of ”Amen!”, would your comment be the same?

      There’s a time and a place for his touching speech, and it’s not at a public school ceremony. He did thank God, his youth group, pastor, and Jesus. That’s fine.

      Report Post »  
  • Dont-hate-on-me-2
    Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:21pm

    taking away your freedom one word at a time, tthey have to start somewhere. We The People will overcome this attack from the liberals as we have always done.

    Report Post » Dont-hate-on-me-2  
    • Eric_The_Red_State
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:26pm

      Progressives are Communists in disguise. (Although most of them are doing away with the disguise)

      Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • american1st
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:29pm

      since when did a student speaking at a commencement become a representative of the state establishing (or prohibiting the establishment of ) a religion ???

      Report Post » american1st  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:30pm

      Eric_The_Red_State, they’re quickly coming out of their disguises and doing more in the open. It’s a sad thing when the Communist Party USA openly supports Obama on their website.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:33pm

      Speak of God and screw these Unconstitutional Judges. It’s better to explain your actions to man than God…if you know what I mean! You’ll never be able to “out explain” God.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:33pm

      My daughter was valedictorian also. I am getting SO $%#$%@ tired of this “separation of church and state” BS. We have to sit there and listen to YOUR religion of man-made global warming or comments about conservatives and religious people. I am glad I do not live in the NE, because I would go postal.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:35pm

      american1st, he’s not, that’s just how the liberals twist it.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:38pm

      “It is a fine line here. Here’s freedom of speech and here’s separation of church and state,”
      __________________________________________________________________________________

      When are people going to wake up and realize there IS NO SUCH THING as separation of Church and state. It’s not in the Constitution and Jefferson wanted Government out of Religion not a Religion or belief out of Government. Think about it, every single person alive has a belief based on religion and opinion so technically how is there freedom if the government only regulates one of them? Does that support the 1A? No….so if that is the case then no one can get any sort of speech because all speeches are based on a belief and opinion.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:38pm

      cessna152, well put.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:58pm

      Maybe not in this instance, but over all, it is not really about separation of Church and State…….bigger picture is about holding up faith in Judeo Christian GOD of Israel above other religion’s gods. Not politically correct to believe your faith is in One True God. That is like thinking your country is an exceptional country….can have no exceptionalism in NWO. No only one GOD in one world religion……when you look at the calendar on NCCC website it has religious dates of every religion on the same calendar. Lets all co-mingle and all get along.

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • chazman
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 3:59pm

      I think he should have just read his speech. What the hell, is this LIBERAL MARXIST principal going to walk on stage and interupt the speech in front of the crowd? I don’t think so …

      Report Post »  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:00pm

      I would have said it anyway just to piss them all off. Let them deal with it. I wonder if he said he believed in Muslim Jihad if they’d have held him to the same restrictions on his comments.

      You liberals are cutting your own throats and are too stupid to know any better.

      Report Post »  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:00pm

      @TexasCommonSense

      Thank you very much. BTW, I am in NJ and the house is up for sale. I can not take this state, their politics and Unconstitutional laws any longer. Hopefully there is some brain dead fool that wants to move to this state. I am sure George Soros has some SAP that wants to buy my house. (LOL)

      I have to admit all these stories day after day are taking its toll. Also, I can not believe some of my “conservative” friends still think we are nuts even after showing them videos, audio and photos of this Marxist administration. All their mocking even after every incidence where we proved ourselves right they [still] call us “crazy”. I just don’t get it… what’s the big deal of having a few months of food on hand? How is that “crazy talk”? Boggles the mind…

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:02pm

      He can’t say how god changed his life?

      Few can! Because there is NO god! Get with the facts, bible thumpers!

      LOL!

      Report Post » ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:07pm

      So much for free speech in education … at least STATE education. Home School!

      I would say I wanted and force them to drag me from the podium — he earned the right.

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:17pm

      ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME, what do you suppose happens to you after your biological life?

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:17pm

      Communist goal #28

      And #13 for the other story about the Pledge that Zombie replied in.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:17pm

      Sorry, forgot the link

      http://archive.glennbeck.com/news/03212002.shtml

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:19pm

      cessna152, I don‘t think you’re crazy. Better to be prepared and be called crazy than wandering the streets begging. Good luck in your endeavor to vote with your feet.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:22pm

      ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME, it doesn’t matter if you believe in God or not. He still has the right to free speech. These clowns want to take away his rights, but no one is trying take away your right to denigrate God. On which side of this do you really want to be?

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:23pm

      How many replies would be the exact same if he converted to Islam and said Mohammed and the Koran saved his life and raised him up from being an infidel to a willing servant to Allah? How about if he became an atheist and said he threw off his pre-conceived dogmatic shackles?

      There is a correct forum for his touching speech (and it is a good read; I’ll link it at the bottom). But being a valedictorian does not give you the right to proselytize.

      His redacted portion:
      http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110614/THISJUSTIN/110619983

      Report Post »  
    • Mandors
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:25pm

      The kid should have had more courage and given the whole speech.
      There is no church and state issue here. He is not a state actor for constitutional purposes. The school is just atheistically bigoted.

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:32pm

      Locked, if he were a peaceful and polite Muslim, like the people who used to live across the street from me, that would be fine. If he’s one of the freaks preaching death to the infidels, that would be a completely different story, now wouldn’t it.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:34pm

      Don’t see a problem the purpose of a valedictorian speech is not to profess or preach the gospel or any particular religion. I think they parsed it pretty well. Certainly it is not solely about the individual speaking.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:40pm

      @Texas

      Full disclosure: I am a Christian, so sorry if this offends anyone who isn’t.

      I still find it would be inappropriate. I would feel uncomfortable hearing in a public, secular ceremony like graduation that someone found Allah and realized that only by living for the Koran would he achiever happiness. If he ended with “Insha Allah!“ instead of ”Amen!” I’m sure it would be too much for many.

      Again, assuming your answer would be the same for an atheist student saying he threw off the fetters of religion. Would you feel comfortable sitting in a crowd being told your morality was wrong? I would not. As said, there are proper venues, and a graduation ceremony isn’t one. He thanked God, his pastor, and his church in the speech. I feel that’s respectful, and fine. Preaching any religion to a crowd is not.

      Report Post »  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:46pm

      Amendment 1 – Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note

      Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
      ______________________________________________________________________________

      So what part of “Make NO law…” don’t you understand? There is either FREEDOM of speech or NO freedom of speech. Once you put limits and regulations on free speech it ain’t free anymore…is it? So you dopes that keep saying “what if he was Muslim or Atheist…” or whatever, it is a moot point. If any speech is limited it is no longer free and is UNconstitutional. I can’t believe you are OKay with limiting some speech but not others. Please explain how that is EQUAL FREEDOM?!
      Remember the USA is based on equal FREEDOM not equal rights. Stop comparing the two… they are completely different! We all have the RIGHT to be free to succeed or fail. Once you have a RIGHT that is forced above others, it is called tyranny and not freedom.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:49pm

      Locked, free speech isn’t always about feeling comfortable or not. It’s an important part of who we are and how our country came to be. I am for free speech even if it makes me uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with it either. He has the right to speak freely, just as some in the audience have the right to be offended. Freedom from being offended isn’t a right; freedom of speech is.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:54pm

      @Locked

      So what you are saying is “deny God” if he calls you to praise him? Christians don’t kill, strap bombs on themselves. They are the most tolerant of religions… Muslims kill anyone that thinks different, votes, supports women’s rights, helps gays, Jews, etc. Even though the MSM coddles these groups of true hate, the truth of Jesus shines through. Someone can thank Allah, it is their right but no matter how much the MSM props it up (which is the SAME thing that you argue against) people see the truth… Jesus!

      Why don’t you have a problem with schools, media, stores, etc coddling Muslims and slandering Christians? You are not “okay” with a kid thanking God, but you‘re okay with the Gov’t and every other part of society slandering Christ and Christians? You’re a Christian? Really?

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • Upstate SC
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 4:54pm

      @ Zombie Jesus loves me….Let me ask you. How many times today did you order those tiny little cells inside your body to replicate themselves? or How many times today did you command your heart to beat and force the life giving blood through all those arteries in your body? You see; you can’t because you are not in control as much as you think you are, even your very own body. The reason is man didn’t create man, God created man for God’s own purpose not yours or mine. Oh and Jesus really does love you.

      Report Post » Upstate SC  
    • Upstate SC
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:02pm

      @ Locked… Your full disclosure is fine…but to not proclaim it with all thine heart and soul from the mountain tops is shameful… Jesus said those who are ashamed of me, then he will be also before the father in heaven.. and Texas is right free speech is just that no matter what religion, whether it makes you comfortable or not.

      Report Post » Upstate SC  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:06pm

      @Texas

      Unfortunately, students’ rights are always infringed a bit while at school. Some states (like Texas) have upheld prayer in graduation. However, the Supreme Court case of Santa Fe v. Doe says that students can’t even vote to have prayer at graduation ceremonies , saying that the delivery of a message on school property, at school-sponsored events, over the school’s public address system, by a speaker representing the student body, under the supervision of faculty, and following school policies which encourage public prayer could not justifiably be called private speech.

      The interpretation of the Constitution seems to be with the school on this one. Graduation ceremonies at public schools are governed by the same rules schools in general are.

      Now, whether this is prayer or not matters. I think the young man should take it to court if he feels he has a case.

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:07pm

      Upstate SC, thank you. By the way, ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME doesn’t reply and take part in intellectual discussion. There are many like him here. They’re what I call the fire and forget liberals.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • DieBambi
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:27pm

      No court is higher than the constitution. Ergo, no court can rewrite the meaning dispite all the progressive rulings of the 20th century. Elections matter, don‘t sit out because you don’t like the candidates, or we get another Obama to appoint more marxist/nazi/socialist/progressive treason from the “high” court.

      Report Post » DieBambi  
    • Nick84
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:43pm

      I would love to see the comments on here if this story was about an atheist student, who wanted to include a story about how the rejection of the idea of god has helped him out in life.

      Report Post »  
    • ABC123
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:48pm

      God still conveyed the point.

      What little he did say about God, it had a huge impact.

      Well done. God rewards courage.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:50pm

      I grow tired of this nonsense. The American Empire is collapsing as we turn our backs on God.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Rightsofman
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:57pm

      I have to wonder if a Muslim becomes a valedictorian if the same people on this site will defend his vocalizing his holdings on Allah. Just sayin it depends on who’s ox is being gored. I say this and I am a practicing Catholic. When speaking to a mixed group you can piss-off people that aren‘t in your belief system and a graduation address isn’t the place where you want to do that..

      Report Post »  
    • stifroc
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 5:57pm

      What the heck?
      Why not just give the speech anyway?
      Make them come up to that podium and forcibly remove you!
      Let all your classmates watch liberty be suppressed!
      THAT would not be forgotten by anyone there.

      Report Post » stifroc  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:05pm

      This is dead wrong. A blatant violation of free speech and religious freedom. Sue them kid!

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • Edct
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:14pm

      These liberals and the aclu will all end up in hell and can have eternity to regret their disgusting refusal to acknowledge God….but one day, and possibly very soon, every knee will bow to Him

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:22pm

      @Texas

      Sorry, I think you misunderstood my comment. I meant the actual state of Texas had a court case in the past couple of years about praying during graduation. however, the Supreme Court is still very much against it.

      @Diebambi

      The Constitution is the highest authority, but the courts interpret the Constitution, and the SCotUS is the highest court in the country. Their interpretation, as stands, is that graduation at a public school is governed by separation laws, and in the prayer infringes upon that separation. Judicial review has been around for around 200 years, so it’s not exactly a “new” or “liberal” idea.

      Report Post »  
    • Jediusetheforce
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:24pm

      The kid should of said it anyways…Its time to stand for whats right. Don’t be a Pansy!!!!!! Remember the dems are control freaks!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • 4stmichael
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:34pm

      Speak Kyle. Make The Call!
      Tell it on the Mountain!

      Report Post » 4stmichael  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 6:39pm

      They wouldn’t have shut me up!! I’d have gone out there and spoke my piece and suffer the consiquences, or got the hook, “there not the boss of me!!!” .

      Report Post »  
    • LaidBackTaps
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 8:13pm

      God Bless That You Man and May We Follow The Example He Did, Provided to Him By Our Lord in Heaven. Stand Up For the Christ People!

      Report Post » LaidBackTaps  
    • Tree
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 9:07pm

      Religion, especially Christianity, is a major obstacle for liberals and socialists and their destructive goals. Naturally they’ll try to silence someone publicly supporting religion. Google Dallin H. Oaks freedom of religion and watch his speech about how vital it is that we preserve our freedoms to worship however we see fit.

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 10:53pm

      A school lead prayer isn‘t Constitutional as it’s Government making law to pray for a certain religion. If students want to pray together on the lawn in a group etc it is cool, just not leading the assembly or asking all to join in on Government behalf.

      A student expressing free speech of their religion is Constitutional as it’s one individual using free speech. Speaking of how God changed ones life is equal to speaking how anything changed ones life. 

      I would freely speak about how God changed my life. I would force persecution of my free speech as God is worth it. 

      Every action has a reaction! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • jzs
      Posted on June 16, 2011 at 11:00pm

      As long as you all agree that members of other religions, such a Muslim could also talk about their Gods on stage, then proceed.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:00am

      I’m with the Principal. It’s not just about the rights of one kid. He may be the valedictorian, but it’s other kids’ day too. Some of them may want to hear what he had to say. If they ask him, I’m sure he’ll tell them. But whether they want to hear it or don’t want to hear it, none of them came that day to hear a guy preaching about his religion. Preaching to a captive audience shows disrespect for their freedom of religion.

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:12am

      do it anyway,,,,,what are they gonna do? kick you out of school???? practice free speech,,,,that has nothing to do with the state. they are just a bunch of confused dummies…

      Report Post »  
    • Jackers
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 6:53am

      The never-ending war against Christianity…

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 7:52am

      From a directive from God, we all came from the same boat, Noah’s Arc.  We shouldn’t be angry at skeptics, we should pray for them.  All men and women know God exist, skeptics and atheists spend a great deal of time avoiding Him. 

      Fear God and keep his Commandments.  The unbelief is a conscience choice to be deceived.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:16am

      As the Late D.James Kennedy wrote in How Would Jesus Vote? — first we took Religion out of school-then Morality, Now we’re having trouble with Knowledge.We may be just dumb Americans ,but we sure know how to feel good about ourselves.( Or at least that’s how me fuzzy brain remembers it.) The Fundamental Law Article III of the Northwest Ordinance twice passed by Congress and signed into Law by President George Washington Has been violated so often since we the people remained silent when the Court constructed by FDR committed Fraud and has maintained that fraud as if it were settled law ever since the 47 case Everson v. board of Education. But we feel good about our apostacy don’t we?

      Report Post »  
    • marvlus
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:33am

      It is time for people to start taking a stand. Resist the authority that disallows you to speak up in favor of God. Be an example. Go to prison for it, if you have to.

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:32am

      I had the fun of emailing Fair Haven Union High School’s principal, assistant principal and school board — educating them on how many ways they violated Kyle’s First Amendment Rights and demanding that they apologize to him.

      The liberal lemmings spout “separation of church and state” by rote, as if they actually know what they’re talking about. They Don’t! They’ve re-written America’s History and they are teaching their re-write, instead of the Truth. Calling those pseudo-educators out and giving them an American History Lesson is FUN!

      Thomas Jefferson would be very angry if he knew how “the left” is twisting his words and using them to distort the the True Meaning Of America’s Constitution. Not Acceptable! Unconscionable!

      And the public school system is wondering why they are losing America’s support. We Americans Don’t Need Them! “We The People” Are Teaching Our Own Children. The day is coming when school officials will be outa work, right along with the White House resident and his minions. America Is Fed Up! The “Don’t Tread On Me” Blood Of Our Founders Is Roaring Through Our Veins!
      God Bless America!

      Report Post »  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:30am

      God Bless this young man,may he go on to become a soul winner for Christ

      Report Post »  
    • getalong
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 3:24pm

      Just read in MN newspaper that almost 5,000 students couldn’t pass their writing test to graduate, and yet this school is concerned about what a successful student who overcame adversity says. The progressive communist agenda can not survive if God is brought into the picture. That is why they are so quick to damm any mention of God. John Kline is putting forth efforts to open up more charter schools in the country that will certainly put alot more pressure on public school teachers to do their job – teach kids how to read and write and do basic math. If they would take all the social agenda lessons out, they could spend more time teaching students what they need to know.

      Report Post »  
    • Fuul Aluuf
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 5:59pm

      Don’t ever accept this sort of requirement on a student. The school officials may be limited in what they can say, but students are NOT employees of the government in ANY WAY. A student can say ANYTHING he/she wants to about GOD and/or religion.

      So DON’T EVER fall for this lie! What would the school have done if he exercised his rights and said what he wanted to say??? Arrest him?? Say what you want about God. Say it loud and clear and with courage. There is NOTHING the government (schools) can do about it.

      Report Post »  
    • HUGGINGMYBABIES
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:29pm

      Violation of FREE speech right there my friend! AND THAT is why my child will continue in a private school……even if I have to work three jobs to keep him there.

      Report Post » HUGGINGMYBABIES  
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