Valedictorian's Speech Censured

Brittany McComb intended to share her heart and her faith with her fellow students during graduation exercises at Foothill High School. In the 750-word unedited version of Brittany's speech, she made two references to the lord, nine mentions of God and one mention of Christ. School officials edited the speech to eliminate the "religious" references and warned Brittany that her microphone would be turned off if she deviated from the edited version of her speech. And that's exactly what happened! Brittany felt convicted to share the truth of her biggest influence--Jesus Christ, and consequently her mike was silenced.

Aren't we way across a line somewhere? The school district claims that they have the responsibilty to protect the audience from hearing religious talk and thus believing somehow that the school district is endorsing a particular religion. Come on! We all know that a speech by a student at graduation reflects their own personal views. Let's assume a worst case scenario....a satanist is giving glory to satan during a valedictory speech. Would I think that the school district is endorsing satanism? Would I try to silence the speech? I don't think so! I would feel pity for the student who is so obviously deceived but I would defend their right to speek their view during their speech. A student is not the school district.

Let's review for minute. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says this, "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." It doesn't take a lawyer to figure this one out...congress is not allowed to make laws establishing a religion or restricting religion. So how do we get all the way from congress to a Nevada school district censuring a graduating senior? It seems to me that the Nevada school district in question crossed the line in censuring Brittany McComb. Her free exercise of religion has been prohibited and her freedom of speech has been abridged. What do you think?

See http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-17-Sat-2006/news/8014416.html for more information on this story.