-UCLA Will Allow Student to Thank Jesus at Graduation

by Dr. D ~ June 15th, 2009

According to a Christian Post story, the University of California in Los Angeles responded to media pressure and has agreed to allow a graduating student to thank Jesus in her personal statement.

UCLA student Christina Popa said that she was told by Pamela Hurley, a faculty adviser, that she could not mention "Jesus" in her graduation remarks. The following is her planned graduation statement:

"I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I also want to thank my father who passed away 3 years ago, for teaching me to always do my best and thus motivating me to pursue the sciences. I want to thank my mother for supporting me in school as well as my sisters and brother for encouraging me and my friends for making college fun.’ I plan to work in a research lab or become a dietician."

Response: Hooray! For once there appears to be a happy ending to the situation. After all, these are personal statements and the first amendment should really apply, particularly at a university.