Nev. student ignites free speech debate
LAS VEGAS (AP) – As Brittany McComb gave the valedictorian’s address at Foothill High School, officials cut off the microphone as she said “God’s love is so great that he gave His only son up …” McComb continued without amplification: “… to an excruciating death on a cross so his blood would cover all our shortcomings and provide for us a way to heaven in accepting this grace.”
School officials directed McComb to remove mention of her relationship with Jesus Christ as the source of her success, the Las Vegas Sun reported. The text approved by the school merely said God filled a hole in her heart that her accomplishments couldn’t.
The school lawyer advised deletion of the references to Jesus. McComb agreed, but later changed her mind after prayer.
The school cited the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled in 2000 and 2003 that schools must censor student speeches for proselytizing because the First Amendment bars government from favoring any faith or coercing religious practice.
The Rutherford Institute, a conservative legal organization, is drafting a complaint against the school district in hopes the U.S. Supreme Court will review the 9th Circuit ruling.