A high school valedictorian in North Carolina was stopped mid-speech after deviating from her approved remarks at a graduation ceremony. Leen Hijaz criticized policies related to ICE and expressed support for Palestine during the event on May 28. School officials later confirmed she received her diploma.
Leen Hijaz, a Muslim student at Clayton High School in Johnston County, abandoned her pre-approved speech and addressed issues including the suffering of people in Palestine and families affected by ICE enforcement. She stated that people have a voice to use when others around the world are struggling to be heard. Other graduates appeared confused as Hijaz continued, prompting Principal Melissa Hubbard to intervene and end the remarks. A video of the incident circulated on social media. Hijaz later posted on TikTok alleging racism by the school and claiming her diploma was withheld. Johnston County Public Schools confirmed the diploma was awarded. School leadership stated that administrators acted to maintain the event's focus and integrity, not to limit student expression.
