An Oklahoma high school valedictorian, Kaitlin Nootbaar, was denied her diploma because she used the world “hell†in her commencement speech. The principal says that the pre-approved speech Kaitlin submitted had used the world “heck†not hell.
Kaitlin says the word was a slip up and not intentional, which is totally understandable for a teen speaking to the entire commencement audience. Hell, I’m an adult and I still get flustered occasionally when speaking in front of large groups.
David Nootbaar, Kaitlin’s dad, said he is furious that Prague High School is withholding Kaitlin’s diploma because of her slip up during the graduation speech in May. The principal told Kaitlin that if she writes an apology, he would relinquish her diploma. Her father says she doesn’t plan to apologize for her choice of words.
I’m confused as to why this is such an issue for the principal. After all, she said “hellâ€Â, which is even allowed on primetime television. It’s not like she said the “F†word as in “F†you Mr. Principal. It sounds like a harmless slip up and the only person offended is the principal. Maybe the principal should let this go.
After all, Kaitlin Nootbaar was an exemplary enough student to earn the coveted position of valedictorian. She’s already been accepted to Southwestern Oklahoma State University on a full scholarship. What purpose does holding her diploma hostage serve other than to just be a jerk.
Do you think the principal has the right to hold the diploma hostage?
Photo Source: Charline Tetiyevsky
