A graduating high school senior in Kentucky was denied his diploma after he went off script during his graduation speech to discuss his faith in God, according to multiple reports.
Senior Micah Price praised God in his high school graduation speech at Campbell County Public Schools. The district’s Superintendent claims part of his speech was inappropriate and not approved by the district.
“I must give the honor, the praise, and the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Price said. His comment was met with a loud cheer from the crowd.
“Commit these very words, ‘He is the way, truth, and life,’” Price continued. “If you don’t have any of those things in your life, and can’t seem to find the answer, my Lord and Savior is the answer.”
Superintendent Shelli Wilson told WKRC Local 12 that administrators approve the speeches pre-rehearsed by students. The approved version of Price’s speech included praise to Jesus, though it did not encourage his classmates to find God.
“All speakers were told that going off their submitted speech, or any unplanned choices at graduation, may have repercussions as they would at any school function,” Wilson said in a statement to Local 12.
“While I know, personally, that many of us are proud of this young man’s beliefs and are practicing Christians ourselves, the principal has to consider the possibilities of students going off the planned program,” Wilson continued.
Price posted a three-minute response to the district on TikTok. In the video, Price said he violated Campbell County rules by adding unapproved words during his graduation speech. He also encouraged people online to “take a chill pill” as threats against school leaders have escalated following the student’s viral moment.
“I am in the wrong technically because I went against Campbell County code, the rules,” Price said.
“Anyone that’s taking a hateful route to this, I please ask just you know, take a chill pill. Take a time out because in John 1, it talks about how it is absolutely impossible to say you’re a Christian if you don’t love your neighbor,” the student continued.
According to the district, Price can receive his diploma after he meets with administrators.
