Valedictorian had diploma withheld after mentioning Jesus in speech
Erica Corder, one of fifteen co-valedictorians at Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado, had her diploma temporarily withheld in 2006 after she departed from her approved graduation remarks to share her Christian faith and reference Jesus Christ. The district released the diploma after she sent a clarifying email; she later sued, and the case was dismissed by the Tenth Circuit.
At Lewis-Palmer High School's June 2006 graduation, co-valedictorian Erica Corder gave a 30-second portion of her remarks that diverged from the script reviewed by school officials, urging classmates to consider Jesus Christ. The principal said her diploma would not be released until she sent a clarifying email distinguishing her views from the school's, which she did. She sued the district in 2007 alleging viewpoint discrimination and compelled speech; the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado dismissed the claims, and the Tenth Circuit affirmed in Corder v. Lewis Palmer School District No. 38, 566 F.3d 1219 (10th Cir. 2009).