Student Gets Diploma After Free-Speech Fight
The high school senior at the heart of a campus free speech controversy in La Puente graduated Thursday just hours after school officials lost a final fight to expel him.
Joe Neal, who was suspended after he distributed fliers depicting the principal as a dictator, received a standing ovation from his Bassett High School classmates during the ceremony.
After receiving his diploma, Neal, 17, shook hands with Principal Linda Bouman, whom he had referred to as “fuehrer” in the leaflets. He had accused Bouman of making curriculum changes without consulting teachers.
Some teachers at the graduation wore American flag stickers on their lapels as a sign of support for Neal.
The controversy erupted in April after Neal distributed about 100 fliers comparing Bouman’s administration to a string of notorious dictatorships.
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