Clayton High Senior Removed for Unapproved Speech

A Clayton High School senior was interrupted and escorted from the stage during her graduation ceremony last week after departing from her preapproved commencement speech to address international conflicts and U.S. immigration policy. The incident, which occurred Thursday at the school in Johnston County, North Carolina, has since drawn attention online and prompted a response from district officials.

The student, Leen Hijaz, was delivering her address when she concluded with unapproved remarks. "Before I leave the stage, I have one last thing to say," Hijaz said, according to video of the ceremony. "Every single person here has a voice, we have the privilege to use it when millions around the world are struggling and suffering to be heard." She continued, citing suffering in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and Afghanistan, and families being separated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "These are not distant issues," she said. "They are happening right now as I speak. My point is, we're not given a voice to stay silent."

As she spoke, Clayton High School Principal Melissa Moore approached the podium, took Hijaz by the arm, and led her away from the microphone. Video...