Should we allow a valedictorian to mention faith in her speach at a publich high shool graduation?

Of course, first amendment rights.

I Corinthians 13;8a, Love never fails!!!!!

Only if it was faith that helped her become valedictorian. How could you deny what made her top of the class? How dare you prevent her telling her story? You do not want to hear the truth. THe injustice would be denying her the opportunity to tell what it was to help her and it would inspire others to walk in her footsteps. If she was mentored in a lesbian home and she wanted to state that she was successful because of her two moms, you would not have a problem with that. Re-examine what it is that you have a problem with and then answer your own question.

BTW-Congrats to the valedictorian.

Sure thing. If this student excelled to the position of V........., I believe she has the ability and common sense in knowing what she wants to share that is not offensive to her peers and friends and family of the graduating class. Of course, it is anticipated that some person or persons may have a different view. But history has shown us that many fine people are persecuted for their "good works." A few of them include Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and of course, Jesus the Christ. I have no doubt, this student of excellence knew she would receive some "flack." But, isn't it great that those of us as citizens and even "guest workers" have the United States Constitutional rights, in this wonderful country, to share our belief without being decapitated -- like in some places? To God be the glory.

There is no freedom of speech in high schools.

High schools are allowed to limit students' freedom of speech.

And they generally do so by censoring student newspapers.

So everyone who wrote here that it's absolutely fine to mention

G-d in a speech, make sure that you say the same about allowing kids freedom of speech to write what they want in the student newspaper. And make sure that you are okay with a student discussing why they don't believe in G-d or are against organized religion in a grad speech.

A valedictorian is allowed to express his/her opinions in the speech given at graduation. Any interference by school officials to subvert the speech is a violation of the students 1st Amendment right of Freedom of Speech.

It is also a violation, in this case, of the laws concerning separation of church and state. By that I mean the school officials efforts to silence the student's beliefs in God are tantamount to them forcing the religion of atheism, agnosticism and/or humanism on the population. This is clearly against the law.

I think so. I heard an interesting story on the radio about this. The valedictorian got up to speak at some highschool graduation, and they had previously told her that she couldnt mention God in her speech. So what they did was after she completed her speech, the whole class stood up at one time and sneezed really loudly, and over the microphone she said, "God Bless You!!"

As long as she doesn't try to impose her faith on anyone else then there shouldn't be any real problems with it. She has freedom of speech and if her faith is something that she feels helped her achieve her current position in life, then no one should be able to tell her otherwise. Keep an open mind. People who close themselves off and reject different beliefs most likely will become lost.

1st you should check your spelling before sending any messages. Yes. The 1st amendment protects her right to mention faith in her/his speech. This country was founded on the precepts of the bible by men of Faith. Most pilgrims came to America seeking freedom of religion not freedom from religion.

God Bless You in your search for Godly wisdom.

If you ask the ACLU, they would say "no" since it is against their Anti-Christian Liberal Union agenda... now if that same person stood up and said Bush was a war criminal and soldiers deserved to die, they would applaud it as free speech and would spend millions to defend this position... it would make the news and she would join Sheehan on world trips to defame our soldiers in Iraq proudly serving their country... Sheehan's son (may he rest in peace) was one of these soldiers and he would be embarrassed to see his mother doing what she is doing... anyway, yes, she should be able to mention faith.

Absolutely!!!! A valedictorian's faith, a valedictorians right.

Freedom of speech.

Freedom of religion.

Yes, she should be allowed to mention faith in her speech at graduation.