According to WSIL News 3, the controversy began earlier this month after Clark submitted his speech, which included Bible verses and a prayer, to administrators for review and was told he could not deliver it as written. In a prepared statement, Akin Superintendent and Principal Kelly Clark argued that while the religious beliefs of students are respected, they cannot be part of a public school ceremony.

"While students are welcome to pray or pursue their faith without disrupting school or infringing upon the rights of others, the United States Constitution prohibits the school district from incorporating such activities as part of school-sponsored events, and when the context causes a captive audience to listen or compels other students to participate," the principal said.

"Because graduation is an official, school-sponsored event, the law would prohibit incorporating prayer or worship into the schedule of events," she continued. "We respect the diverse beliefs our students and their families hold, and we strive to educate all such students in compliance with the law."

While it is true that school districts and local governments cannot sanction religious practices at public events, experts agree that the student was well within his rights to give the speech at graduation because he was not speaking on behalf of the school.
"When you have a student initiated speech like this, there should've been no problem having the student have really any opinion that he wants," said J. Tobin Grant, Chairman of the Political Science Department at Southern Illinois University, in an interview with WSIL.

"The key thing, as far as the school is concerned, is that they can't be involved in anything that is religious. They can't have a prayer. They can't have students read a passage from any religious scripture or the Bible," he continued. "But if they say, 'Hey, you've got the best grades in the class... write your speech. Here's three minutes.' They can't go through it. It's a free speech issue at that point."

Ultimately, Clark did end up giving his speech on Wednesday thanks to the kindness of family friend Rickey Karroll, who just so happens to live across the street from Akin Grade School. Still in his cap and gown, Clark delivered a prayer of thanksgiving and his remarks on Karroll's lawn in front of about 50 people.

"Them kids, they went through this, they had their plan on that, that was the right thing to do in my opinion," said Karroll. "I think he has a right, the right to give his opinion and he wanted to do a prayer, and last count I checked, we are still in the United States of America and it's the right to freedom of speech."

In addition to offering a prayer of thanksgiving, Clark's speech cited Scripture and included themes of forgiveness.
"I would like to apologize to all of you that I have hurt at any time in any way," the student said. "I am not perfect, but as found in 1 Peter 1:16, 'Be holy as I am holy.'" (Screengrab via WSIL News 3)

While the school is not backing down from its decision, and Clark's parents, who are reportedly on the Akin school board have yet to comment publicly, it does appear as though the student's rights were violated.

"Were his rights violated? Yeah. I think this is one of those things that happens when schools get sensitive that they are going to cross that line, so rather than do that, they try to pull back on stuff," Grant told WSIL. "No one is going to think an eighth grader speaks for the school board. This is not a school speech. This is not government."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Breitbart's AMERICAN SOUNDTRACK: Firebrand Mary Kutter's Poignant Birthday Tribute; 'Through All the Hell and Glory Days You Stand Here With Amazing Grace'

America's Semiquincentennial Begins: Trump Launches Massive National Mall Expo

Woman Removed from Detroit Tigers Game for Wearing 'Jesus Over Pride' Shirt

Netherlands Does the Unthinkable: Euthanize a Young Child

European Country Moves to Ban Islamic Call to Prayer (Video)

Charlie Kirk Judge Denies Tyler Robinson's Attempt to Have Potential Death Penalty Removed

The Reflecting Pool Vandalism Trump Wasn't Supposed to Be Right About

'I Think It Was God': Ex-Mets Pitcher Jenrry Mejia Narrowly Escapes Death as Venezuela Earthquake Strikes Hotel

Venezuelans Comb Quake Rubble in Search for Survivors: 'There Are Still People Alive in There'

The Undercroft: The New Museum Located Underneath the Lincoln Memorial Opens in Time for America's 250th Birthday (Video)

Samaritan's Purse Sending Help to Venezuela after Devastating Earthquakes

Postmaster General Tells Congress USPS Will NOT DELIVER Mail-In Ballots to States That Refuse to Comply with President Trump's Election Integrity Executive Order

US Forces Kill ISIS Leader in Syria Airstrike: CENTCOM

Senate GOP Reverses Course, Rejecting War Powers Resolution after Trump Meeting

Here's What Trump Demanded from Republican Senators Behind Closed Doors

Obama Judge Permanently Blocks Trump's Proof of Citizenship Requirement to Vote; Appeal Coming

SCOTUS Decides How Far States May Regulate Concealed Carry in Public

Supreme Court Rules on Endless 'Temporary Protected Status' for Aliens

Strongest Earthquakes in More Than a Century Hit Venezuela, Causing Widespread Damage, Injuries and Death; Trump Says US Ready to Help

Texas Judge Wins Big After Faith-Based Stand on Marriage, Awarded $640K