How Legal Intervention Ensured a Valedictorian’s Full Speech Was Heard
After being ordered by school officials to remove religious references from his valedictorian speech, a Florida high school senior was eventually able to give his full, uncensored speech at graduation thanks to legal intervention & the providence of Almighty God.
Lucas Hudson, valedictorian of the Collegiate Academy at Armwood High School in Hillsborough County, Fla., was initially instructed by school officials to eliminate religious references from his graduation speech or be barred from speaking. Seeking help, Lucas’ family contacted The Rutherford Institute. Following a warning from Rutherford Institute attorneys that the school’s actions could lead to a lawsuit, Lucas was permitted to deliver his original speech. As Lucas’ father noted, “Your defense of Lucas became an inspiration for the students in his school and sparked a healthy and meaningful debate among the teachers, students, and parents about the value of the First Amendment and the need for limits on government control over our personal beliefs. Thank you for being there for my son when he needed you most.”
Schools must respect the constitutional rights of their students
“If America’s schools are to impart principles of freedom and democracy to future generations, they must start by respecting the constitutional rights of their students,” stated constitutional attorney John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute and author of Battlefield America: The War on the American People. “While the government may not establish or compel a particular religion, it also may not silence and suppress religious speech merely because others might take offense.”
As valedictorian of the Class of 2024 for the Collegiate Academy at Armwood High School, Lucas Hudson was scheduled to give a graduation speech in May 2024. His planned speech expressed gratitude to those who influenced his character, reflected on the swift passage of time, and encouraged others to love and serve both people and God, who sent His Son, Jesus, to save humanity. However, upon reviewing his speech, the principal informed Lucas that it would not be accepted unless he significantly altered the religious content. Despite modifying his speech, the religious message was still deemed unacceptable, and Lucas was instructed to “make appropriate adjustments” by the following day or he would not be allowed to speak at all. Consequently, Lucas revised his speech to include only a brief mention of the privilege of knowing the God who saved him.
Freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion
In defending Lucas, The Rutherford Institute argued that the school’s actions infringed upon his rights to freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment, Florida law, and the School District’s policy. Institute attorneys emphasized that, in addition to First Amendment protections, the “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act” mandates that student speakers at graduation ceremonies be provided a limited public forum, which does not discriminate against voluntary religious expression. The law also requires school districts to issue a disclaimer at all graduation events, clarifying that students’ speeches do not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the school district. This disclaimer underscores that the speeches are solely the private expression of the students, not the school.
Eventually, school officials relented and allowed Lucas to freely discuss his religious beliefs in his valedictorian speech at graduation.
Lucas delivered the full speech, inviting others to know the God who heals and loves us all. “I have the privilege of knowing someone who loves each and every one of you so much that He will do anything to be with you. That’s the love of Jesus, the God who saved me. He can heal you of your pain, your depression, your worry, your brokenness. He can heal you, the same way He healed me.If you have any questions about Jesus, I would love to talk to you, and you can find me after the ceremony or reach out through Instagram @Lucaschudson.“
Lucas’ speech can be viewed here, starting at 31:10.
