We are so proud to share that our very own SEU student, Justin Aguilar, had the opportunity to speak at the Religious Liberty Commission hearing at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The hearing’s purpose was to discuss religious liberty issues in public education.
Justin was one of 16 guest speakers who shared personal stories of challenges to their religious liberty before the members of the commission, President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and parents and students from across the country. He detailed his experience with censorship as a high school valedictorian in North Carolina.
“I was truly blessed to be able to praise the name of Jesus before the commission and to share with others what it looks like to stand for Him when faced with adversity,” said Aguilar.
Advocating for Faith & Freedom
During the hearing, Justin emphasized that school districts nationwide do not need to be afraid of religious speech. He was nearly censored last spring when his proposed valedictorian speech received edits from a school administrator removing several mentions of God and Jesus Christ when referencing his faith.
Justin had consulted a non-profit legal group, Liberty Council, about his First Amendment rights. With their support and guidance, he respectfully and successfully appealed to deliver his unchanged speech. After sharing his faith-filled message, Justin received positive feedback from numerous school staff and fellow students who had been touched by his remarks.
“God has opened up a lot of doors for me,” said Justin. “I am certain that advocating for freedom of religious speech is part of my calling, and I’m excited to see where that takes me next.”
Justin is currently in his first semester at SEU Carolina, one of our partner sites in Concord, North Carolina. He is studying Christian Ministry.
Learn More
Civic Engagement at SEU
Study Political Science at SEU
SEU Partner Sites
Apply to SEU
