During the graduation ceremony on May 28, Leen Hajiz, the valedictorian of Clayton High School in North Carolina, had her speech abruptly interrupted after she made comments critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In her address, she highlighted the plight of families affected by ICE, stating that issues like those faced by people in Palestine, Sudan, and Afghanistan are interconnected with the actions of ICE. The principal, Melissa Moore Hubbard, intervened shortly after Hajiz’s remarks, leading to her being moved away from the microphone. The Johnston County Public Schools district later explained that Hajiz had deviated from her pre-approved speech and that the intervention was necessary to maintain the event's focus. Following the incident, Hajiz reported that her diploma is being withheld, though the district is currently reviewing the situation. She expressed her commitment to advocating for those without a voice, urging others to do the same.