DeeGeesLifeBlog ~ Life as Art ~ Or is it Heart?

God denied from school Valedictorian… Nation in distress: help wanted fast…

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. ~ Hebrews 5: 12

Eric Lendrum, American Greatness: A high school valedictorian in Michigan is being prohibited by the school from mentioning her Christian faith in her graduation speech, the Daily Caller reports (linked down below).

The student, Elizabeth Turner, is the valedictorian of Hillsdale High School in Hillsdale, Michigan. Upon submitting the draft of her speech to the school, the speech was returned to her with several passages censored due to her mentioning Jesus Christ and her Christian faith. The justification given by the school’s principal, Amy Goldsmith, was that discussing Christianity was “not appropriate” and would not be “representing the school.”

“You are representing the school in your speech, not using the podium as your public forum,” Goldsmith said in her comments on the Google Doc version of the speech. “We need to be mindful about the inclusion of religious aspects. These are your strong beliefs, but they are not appropriate for a speech in a public school setting.” [end]

God denied from school Valedictorian … Religion and morality are indispensable supports ~ George Washington

DGH: Sadly, Principal Amy Goldsmith is a former Hillsdale College graduate and a person you would think should know better. As America’s very first President put it in his farewell address:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, [its] religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

Also, in 1779, then General George Washington was visited by the Chiefs of the Delaware Indian tribes who brought three youth to be trained in American schools. General Washington said to them: “Congress will look upon them as their own children … You do well to wish to learn our arts and our way of life, and above all the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are. Congress will do everything they can to assist you in this wise intention.” [-]

Eric Lendrum: The original version of Turner’s speech included the following excerpts:

“For me, my future hope is found in my relationship with Christ. By trusting in him and choosing to live a life dedicated to bringing his kingdom glory, I can be confident that I am living a life with purpose and meaning … My identity is found by what God says and who I want to become is laid out in scripture. Whether we want to admit it or not, not one of us can be certain of how our lives will unfold, but we do know that trials will come. The reality of this is that we face an unpredictable future, and while we are making all these plans to prepare, ultimately none of us are promised tomorrow, making it all the more important to make today count.” [end]

God denied from school Valedictorian…

DGH: Ms. Goldsmith is representative of what is wrong with today’s public education. Her words, “You are representing the school…” are the opposite of what educational institutions should be expressing, rather it is the school that should be representing the students.

The school should be proud that Miss Turner is educated enough to express her own opinion, succinctly and honestly in a public forum. They should be proud that she is willing to express an opinion that others may disagree with, but is open to debate in other forums. They should be proud that her command of the English language is such, that all who hear her will, unequivocally, understand her as a young person heading into adulthood. We are losing the art of communication to dullards, group-think and fascistic edicts. [-]

Eric Lendrum: Following Goldsmith’s efforts to censor the speech, Turner’s family hired the law firm First Liberty, which subsequently sent a letter to Goldsmith on Wednesday demanding that Turner be allowed to give her full speech. Turner, the firm reminded Goldsmith, has a right to “express her private religious beliefs” due to the “Free Speech and Free Exercise Clause” of the First Amendment. [end]

God denied from school Valedictorian…

DGH: A valedictorian is usually the highest ranking student in terms of grades (matter of fact been there, done that myself) so I’m sure this student is smart enough to give a speech within the limits imposed by the school administration while still making her point.

She could begin by reciting the First Amendment to the US Constitution, following which a description of the limitations imposed on her. If she has the inclination to do so, she could simply go ahead and say what she planned, and end with thanking everyone around her. Would they dare to pull her off the podium?

There is after all: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …”

A “Divine God” dare be mentioned, but a “divine government” encouraged. God denied from school Valedictorian!

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ~ Hebrews 5: 13-14

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Eric Lendrum, American Greatness: No Christianity in MI High School Valedictorian Speech

Elizabeth Louise, Daily Caller: High School Valedictorian Cannot Mention Christianity in Speech

Hillsdale High School is not to be confused with Hillsdale College, both of which are in the State of Michigan

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Soli Deo Gloria!

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