Clayton High School senior Leen Hijaz used her moment in the spotlight as valedictorian to speak out on both ICE and Israel. Moments later, she was pulled from the stage.
The incident occurred Thursday, as North Carolina high school valedictorian Leen Hijaz stepped up to the podium to deliver her graduation speech. She ditched her pre-approved remarks and instead said: “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,” according to the New York Post.
She continued: “Whether it’s the millions suffering in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Afghanistan and so many other countries around the world, or families being torn apart by ICE. These are not just an issue here; they are happening there, they’re happening right here as I speak.
“My point is, we’re not given a voice to stay silent.”
Video went viral
Following the remarks, principal Melissa Moore rushed to the stage and pulled Hijaz from the microphone, physically grabbing her arm in view of the audience. A video of the moment has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention. Hijaz shared the footage on TikTok, where it was met with an outpouring of support in the comments.
“I don’t know you, but I was at that ceremony for my niece. I was absolutely cheering you on and commend your bravery to use your voice,” one person commented.
“That took a lot of courage, but you did it queen,” another wrote, while a third added: “Graduated in 2021 from Clayton, you did such an amazing thing and are so brave!!”
The school later issued a statement on the incident: “During this year’s Clayton High School graduation, a student departed from her approved remarks,” the statement read, according to the New York Post.
“School administrators intervened in order to maintain the integrity and focus of the program in real time. This action was not about limiting a student’s voice, but about ensuring that a school-sponsored event remained consistent with its intended purpose.”
READ MORE
- Real reason Trump canceled America’s 250th birthday party revealed
- Man stunned to find $1.5M house built on vacant family land
