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Hernando Today

Freedom of speech?

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Hernando Today

Published: July 1, 2009

Re: Jem Lugo valedictorian speech.

I can understand the news media getting excited over the appearance of a freedom of speech violation with the Springstead High School graduation. After all, that is the right for which you exist. Jem Lugo's freedom of speech was not violated. She was able to express herself to the media without interference. Since the school administration was responsible for the commencement proceedings, they had the right and obligation to guide the student with her presentation.

As far as the principal asking her to modify her original speech, I think it was a wise decision. Her first speech was far from "appalling," but it did have some excerpts that projected bitterness and some that could be construed as spiteful. I feel the original speech needed some tweaking to have it rise to the formality of the occasion and also to keep Jem's from appearing in a light she may have come to regret.

My daughter's own valedictorian speech had to go through many revisions before being acceptable for her to give at commencement. I bet if you researched, you will find that this happens more often than not. My daughter, by the way, has her doctorate from Columbia University and is currently doing research at Harvard Medical School and is constantly having to write for a target audience with a specific purpose much as she did for commencement.

For some to debase the teachers and administrators because they have less stellar academic credentials is a cheap shot, since we do not know the circumstances of their achievements. I personally know people with impressive academic credentials who have difficulty functioning in life. I also know self-educated individuals who because of circumstances were not able to attain a degreed education that are well-read, knowledgeable, productive and wise. Let us not be so quick to degrade the same people who, after all, were instrumental in Jem's academic success.

Lastly, I wonder how it would have played out in the media, if Jem had been allowed to give her original speech and parents or students had complained about being offended?

Rhonda Hancock

Brooksville

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