Valedictorian Removed from Stage After Anti-Israel Rant
A high school valedictorian in North Carolina abandoned her pre-approved graduation speech to launch into a political tirade against Israel and immigration enforcement before being ... <a title="Valedictorian Removed from Stage After Anti-Israel Rant" class="read-more" href="https://newsfire.gr/en/valedictorian-removed-from-stage-after-anti-israel-rant/" aria-label="Read more about Valedictorian Removed from Stage After Anti-Israel Rant">Read more</a>
A high school valedictorian in North Carolina abandoned her pre-approved graduation speech to launch into a political tirade against Israel and immigration enforcement before being physically removed from the podium in front of stunned attendees.
Leen Hijaz, a senior at Clayton High School, was delivering her commencement address Thursday when she abruptly departed from her approved remarks to blast U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and advocate for the Palestinian cause, as New York Post reports.
The student began her unauthorized political speech by telling the audience that everyone present had a voice and the privilege to use it while millions worldwide were struggling to be heard.
She then cited Palestinians, along with people in Sudan, Congo, and Afghanistan, as well as families affected by ICE operations, claiming these were issues happening both abroad and in the United States as she spoke.
As Hijaz declared that voices should not be used to stay silent, Clayton High School Principal Melissa Moore rushed onto the stage and physically removed her from the microphone by pulling her arm, according to ceremony footage.
The graduating senior then returned to her seat on stage, smirking and waving to the crowd as she sat down.
Following the incident, the Muslim student took to TikTok to complain that the school was refusing to give her a diploma after her now-viral stunt, claiming the situation made her feel oppressed.
Johnston County Public Schools confirmed Tuesday that the student’s diploma has since been awarded.
School administrators released a statement explaining that the student departed from her approved remarks during the Clayton High School graduation ceremony. Officials intervened to maintain the integrity and focus of the program in real time, the district said.
The school emphasized that the action taken was not about limiting student voice, but rather ensuring that a school-sponsored event remained consistent with its intended purpose.
With information from New York Post
