Valedictorian files suit over religious speech

[Amelia]

Valedictorian files suit over religious speech

Sept. 2, 2007

The Morning News

DENVER — As she stepped to the microphone for her commencement speech last spring, Erica Corder knew that what she was about to say might ruffle some feathers.

But the 2006 graduate of Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, Colo., — one of 15 valedictorians who addressed the crowd — didn't believe she had a choice.

"I really felt God calling me to do this," Corder said this week. "My top priority is obeying God."

Deviating from the 30-second speech that had been approved by the principal, she began speaking about "someone who loves you more than you could ever imagine."

"His name is Jesus Christ," Corder said. "If you don't already know him personally, I encourage you to find out more about the sacrifice he made for you."

The controversy was immediate. Parents and students —including some of her fellow valedictorians — complained that Corder had been proselytizing and that her comments were inappropriate. Before she was granted her diploma, Corder was required to apologize in an e-mail to the entire school community.

Now Corder is fighting back. In a lawsuit filed in federal court this week, Corder says the school violated her rights to free speech and equal protection

Corder's father, Steve, said Thursday the Corders are not seeking money, other than attorneys' fees. Rather, they want clarity on an area of the law that has caused problems for graduation speakers of strong faith across the country in recent years.

The Lewis-Palmer School District released a statement Wednesday saying it intends to "vigorously defend the claims."

[Neil D]

It was a moment in time....

and people want to sue.............

No one lives the words of peace...only anger....threat...beating down....

[Dr. Shane]

The freedom of speech issue is valid and this is a good case to go to the courts. Would we allow a Muslim to say that his or her top priority is obeying God and his name is Allah? I am sure a Muslim saying such a thing wouldn't be made to apologize to the entire school for it.

There was a case a number of years ago where a school principle did not let a student pray before eating his lunch. The student's family challenged that on the basis of freedom of speech and won. Students now are allowed to pray before eating at school.

Quote:

complained that Corder had been proselytizing

So what if she was? Since when is proselytizing a bad thing? That is one of the major reasons we have freedom of speech.