Schools

Class President's Graduation "Speech" Banned

Censorship debate breaks out over a Patchogue-Medford State of Mind song parody.

UPDATE 6/23/10: High School Randy Rusielewicz confirmed via email that Mike Fisher will be singing his Graduation Speech at Friday's ceremony

A censorship debate heated up at Monday's Board of Education meeting over whether Mike Fisher, the 2010 class president at Patchogue-Medford High School, should be allowed to sing his graduation speech this Friday.

Fisher had re-written the lyrics to the popular Jay-Z and Alicia Keys song, "Empire State of Mind." He still hopes to perform it later this week. Fisher said last night that a similar performance in 2008 was met with a standing ovation.

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The request was first put on hold by Randy Rusielewicz, the high school's principal. 

Superintendent Michael Mostow, perhaps in an attempt to reach a compromise, said Fisher would be allowed to perform the song for the school's website. He added that he planned to meet with Rusielewicz and Fisher on Tuesday.

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Fisher said he was told the principal opposes the idea because it could offend some community members.

Some board members disstanced themselves from the decision. For example, Thomas Donofrio and Joseph LoSchiavo both said the board was not involved in the ban.

"Whether he chooses to sing it, rap it, or recite it, we agree that Mike will use strong judgement, and I strongly recommend we keep our hands off of this." Donofrio said.  

And while Board of Education President Brett Houdek said that all graduation speeches are reviewed, that wasn't enough to calm those who argued against what they called censorship.  Several students, Fisher's parents, and a few residents also spoke at the meeting in support of Fisher's speech.  

"Our whole lives we were told to say how we felt but when it comes to our only graduation, it's being shut down like it's a crazy idea or something," said student and class officer Katie Aliberti.

But Board Vice President William Lavelle said that not all members of the community were supportive of Fisher's speech. 

"While I understand an issue with censorship and majority, there is also some people that have a problem with it and express that their students are not happy with the situation," Lavelle said, adding that one student told him the speech would be perceived as a joke.

A Facebook group was set up in support of Fisher's request to sing at the graduation, which over the weekend has grown nearly 1,000 members.

The Patchogue-Medford High School graduation will take place at the high school's stadium at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.


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