An Ohio valedictorian stood up in front of his entire graduating class to deliver a speech for all to hear. As he approached the end of his speech, however, he went off-script to share his own personal words. When he did so, he was quickly stopped by the school’s Principal. He was quickly shoved aside before he could get in another word.
@Legalcaseclips shared the TikTok video of Cardington-Lincoln High School valedictorian, Brandon Hughes, giving his graduation speech. At the end of his speech, he tells his class, “I’d like to apologize if my speech is watered down. Because there’s a lot more that I would have liked to say.” He starts talking about Freedom of Speech. At this point, the school’s principal rises from his seat and hastily approaches the podium. As Brandon thanks his class, the principal pushes him out of the way and takes the podium.
In a report from WBNS 10TV on the incident, Brandon explained that his speech’s message was supposed to convey hope to those who don’t “feel included.” He said there are many kids at Cardington-Lincoln who feel “less seen.” He wanted to reach out to them and encourage them when it comes to their futures. Unfortunately, school officials stopped Brandon from including these portions in his speech when he submitted it to them for approval.
Brandon’s full speech was posted in the TikTok comments, with redacted parts of it highlighted in red. At one point Brandon mentions, “The truth is that not everyone in this room had a positive high school experience. Some of us felt supported, encouraged, and valued. Others spent years feeling overlooked, unheard, or like we were expected to fit in a box that was never made for us.”
However, the school made him take this part out of his speech. They also had him remove a portion where he stated, “Politics are dividing our nation, environmental changes are overwhelming, and people continue to suffer due to discrimination based on race, identity, or who they choose to love.”
Commenters immediately reacted to the online video, sharing their opinions and showing support for Brandon Hughes and his speech. As one commenter mentioned, “Then he proves the speaker’s point.” Another commenter reacted with, “We no longer have the Freedom of Speech anywhere.”
Commenters continue to share their reactions and comment on free speech matters. It has sparked reactions on the reality of blocking children and adults alike on what they want to say within the U.S. One commenter puts it simply: “I think that the valedictorian should be able to say what he wants to say.”
