Valedictorian Rips Up Preapproved Speech, Recites Prayer Instead

[bonnie]

Valedictorian Rips Up Preapproved Speech, Recites Prayer Instead

By Melissa Knowles

June 6, 2013 1:29 PM

My high school graduation was so long ago (13 years to be exact) that I cannot recall one word that our valedictorian said in his speech. I'm sure some inspirational words were said, and we were told to go and make our way in the world. As well thought-out as the speech likely was, it did not become a news story.

That's not the case with a valedictorian's speech at Liberty High School in Liberty, South Carolina. When Roy Costner IV approached the podium, he ripped up his preapproved speech. The crowd seemed a bit stunned, not knowing what to expect next. That's when Costner began reciting a prayer, the Lord's Prayer, word for word. Many students in the audience began applauding. The teachers and faculty members seated on the stage behind Costner did not visibly react.

So why did Costner choose this time to say a prayer? The stunt was apparently in protest of the new decision made by the Pickens County School District to no longer include prayer at graduation ceremonies. As you can hear from the students' applause, many of them agreed with Costner pulling the switcheroo and standing up for what he believed was right.

John Eby, a spokesperson for the Pickens County School District, said, "The bottom line is: We're not going to punish students for expressing their religious faiths." The YouTube video of Costner's prayer speech has been viewed more than 245,000 times so far since being uploaded just three days ago. Most commenters think highly of Costner and his courage to exercise his First Amendment right. Other viewers disagree and do not think that the graduation was the appropriate time or place to express his religious views to the student body and their guests.

[phkrause]

Good for him..

[CoAspen]

So what would the student body have done if it was a Muslim prayer, Hindu, or any other put a 'christian' prayer? Why should this person be applauded for violating the separation of church and state? Free speech right? No! It was a public school not a private school. Why do christians feel it is alright to defy a law, rule or regulation when it suites them, saying it is free speech when it comes to prayer or religion?

[phkrause]

Good point CoAspen! I know I wouldn't have a problem with a Muslim prayer

[fccool]

Here's what's so ironic about this issue of "Christian pride":

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."

[bonnie]

So what would the student body have done if it was a Muslim prayer, Hindu, or any other put a 'christian' prayer? Why should this person be applauded for violating the separation of church and state? Free speech right? No! It was a public school not a private school. Why do christians feel it is alright to defy a law, rule or regulation when it suites them, saying it is free speech when it comes to prayer or religion?

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...

This gives protection against a state establishing a religion.

It does not protect you from religion or the prayers of another.

The state/school/government didn't have anything to do with this.

Should the school admin request that the valedictorian include the "Lord's Prayer" in his address? Of course not.

You assume it would have been a problem had this been a Muslim prayer.I would hope that would have received the same response.

[bonnie]

Here's what's so ironic about this issue of "Christian pride":

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."

What tells you this is "christian pride"? Or that this student is a hypocrite?

The text you quoted refers to those praying in public wanting others to see how spiritual they are. Do you know this is the reason for the Lord's Prayer in this case?