Elizabeth Yao, valedictorian at Bell High School in Ottawa, was told not to come to school after making pro-Palestinian remarks during her commencement speech. She acknowledged 'colonial and genocidal atrocities,' including the 'massacre of more than 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza.' The school principal stated her comments 'caused harm' and 'took focus away' from the event. This decision is criticized by some as violating Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) policy, which permits solidarity slogans. Yao stands by her speech, citing the impact of the Gaza war on her school's large Arab and Muslim population.
Valedictorian told to stay home after making pro-Palestinian remarks in grad speech
OntarioOttawaPalestineElizabeth YaoLyra EvansWar and unrestMassacresBack to schoolStudents
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Elizabeth Yao, valedictorian at Bell High School in Ottawa, was told not to come to school after making pro-Palestinian remarks during her commencement speech. She acknowledged 'colonial and genocidal atrocities,' including the 'massacre of more than 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza.' The school principal stated her comments 'caused harm' and 'took focus away' from the event. This decision is criticized by some as violating Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) policy, which permits solidarity slogans. Yao stands by her speech, citing the impact of the Gaza war on her school's large Arab and Muslim population.
Trending- 1 October 2023: Israel-Hamas war began.
- 2 Thursday (June 12, 2025): Elizabeth Yao made pro-Palestinian remarks during her commencement speech.
- 3 Friday (June 13, 2025): Yao received a call from her principal, told not to come to school Monday.
- 4 Monday (June 16, 2025): Yao plans to go back to school despite being told not to.
- Valedictorian told not to attend school
- Criticism of school board's decision
- Debate over free speech vs. school policy
- Potential impact on student's record
What: Elizabeth Yao, a valedictorian, was told not to come to school after making pro-Palestinian remarks in her graduation speech. Her principal stated the comments 'caused harm' and 'took focus away' from the event. Critics argue this violates school board policy.
When: Published 2025-06-16; Thursday (June 12, 2025) (commencement ceremony); The next day (Friday, June 13, 2025) (Yao received call); Monday (June 16, 2025) (told not to come to school); Since October 2023 (Israel-Hamas war began).
Where: West Ottawa (Bell High School), Gaza (mentioned in speech), Palestine (mentioned in speech), Canada (Canadian government).
Why: Elizabeth Yao made pro-Palestinian remarks, specifically mentioning the 'massacre of more than 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza,' which the school administration deemed to have 'caused harm' and diverted focus from the graduation ceremony. Yao believes it was the right thing to do due to the issue's impact on her community.
How: Yao included pro-Palestinian remarks at the end of her valedictorian speech. The principal responded by telling her not to attend school and considering further disciplinary action. Advocacy groups and a school board trustee are criticizing the school's decision.