Valedictorian Not Allowed To Speak at Graduation

The superintendent of Orange County Schools has apologized after University High School valedictorian Kriya Naidu was not allowed to give her speech at Tuesday’s graduation ceremony.

“University High School of OCPS in Florida did not allow me to say my Valedictory speech, here it is, uncensored,” Naidu said in the post, which already has thousands of views.

Superintendent Barbara Jenkins contacted Naidu’s family and said:

Dear Ms. Naidu,

I was made aware of your situation yesterday afternoon and was deeply saddened. I want to assure you that my office nor the school board had been made aware of this issue prior to the UHS graduation ceremony. I apologize to your daughter and family for the unfortunate mistakes made, and assure you that staff involved will be educated as requested. Our commencement procedures are being reviewed for improvements. You may also expect a follow up call from Dr. Carcara.

I again commend your daughter for her outstanding accomplishments, and congratulate her parents as well. If she is available I would like to invite Kriya to our next school board meeting on June 11 to give her commencement speech. Additionally, we can tape her speech in our studio and post it on our web site and social media. Regardless of this error, I have no doubt that Kriya’s future remains extremely bright. Please convey my regards and that I look forward to seeing her again on June 11th.

Naidu said she intends to attend the next school board meeting to speak in front of the board.

Kriya Naidu

Published on May 28, 2019