School official interrupted student’s graduation speech after she referenced Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Afghanistan, and immigrant families
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/2/26) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an effort to silence a North Carolina high school valedictorian who used her graduation speech to urge her classmates to speak out against injustice and human suffering.
According to media reports, Clayton High School graduate Leen Hijaz was interrupted by a school administrator during her commencement address. Reports also indicate that Hijaz later alleged her diploma was withheld following the incident, although the school district has not confirmed that claim.
In her address, Hijaz said in part:
“Before I leave the stage, I have one last thing to say. Every single person here has a voice; we have the privilege to use it when millions around the world are struggling and suffering to be heard. Whether it’s the millions suffering in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Afghanistan and so many other countries around the world, or the families being torn apart by ICE. These are not just an issue there; they are happening there, they’re happening right here as I speak. My point is, we’re not given a voice to stay silent.”
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Every student should be able to peacefully express their deeply-held beliefs about injustice, human rights, and the suffering of others without fear of censorship or retaliation. Graduation speeches have long served as a platform for students to reflect on the challenges facing their generation and the world they are inheriting.
“Whether one agrees with Leen Hijaz’s views or not, interrupting a valedictorian for calling attention to humanitarian crises and the plight of immigrant families sends a troubling message that certain perspectives are unwelcome in public discourse. Schools should encourage thoughtful civic engagement, not suppress it.
“We commend Leen Hijaz for demonstrating the moral courage to speak out on behalf of people whose voices are too often ignored. We urge school officials to respect students’ constitutional rights and to ensure that no punitive action is taken against her for engaging in peaceful expression.”
Earlier today, CAIR welcomed a federal judge’s decision that allows a lawsuit against a Maryland school district for violating a teacher’s free speech on the issue of Palestine to proceed.
SEE: Maryland Teacher Can Sue Principal Over Palestinian Flag Display – Bloomberg Law
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NC Community Engagement Manager Al Rieder, 202-742-6421, arieder@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com