Wisconsin high school censors student’s graduation speech

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TOMAHAWK, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin high school valedictorian decided against speaking at commencement after school administrators required she not reference discrimination, school shootings and inequality.

But a local newspaper did publish her speech.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that 18-year-old Cait Christenson was among six valedictorians at Tomahawk High School.

Christenson says administrators wanted to censor some topics for fear of provoking disagreement, judgment and making others feel attacked. She says she wanted to encourage thinking, not advocate any specific policy changes.

The principal at the school confirms Christen decided not to speak at the Sunday ceremony after staff employees asked for edits.

The Tomahawk Leader newspaper published her speech on Tuesday. In it, she writes that “we can make changes in our nation and even around the world, just by promoting positivity, acceptance and equity.”