A video featuring an 8th grader from Kentucky delivering a bold graduation speech has quickly gone viral after being shared online by his uncle.
Daniel Mattingly expressed his frustrations with Louisville’s Stuart Academy, describin,g it as “ridiculous as hell,” while launching several pointed critiques at school administrators during the event on Thursday.
“This school is built on racism, sexism, and homophobia. I encourage everyone here today to stand up for themselves, even if it means making a fuss.”
Mattingly alleged that before his speech, school officials had rejected a version he prepared, claiming it wasn’t suitable for the occasion.
“The theme of the speech they gave me was ‘acceptance,'” he told WAVE-TV. “A big part of it was just explaining that I see people today experiencing trauma and oppression.”
He also mentioned that his teachers had told him his speech lacked positivity and was too controversial. So, on the day of the commencement, he decided to push back against this criticism, calling out what he perceived as homophobic and racist attitudes.
“Apparently, this school knows no better than to give an angry gay kid a microphone,” Mattingly remarked during his address.
“No shade at all, but I came to this commencement intending to discuss the trauma that has affected me as a person. Black, brown, and mixed-race young people today face oppression and live in fear for their identities,” he continued.
He elaborated on his view that all students at the school are “oppressed” youths.
“This school is built on racism, sexism, and homophobia. I encourage everyone here today to stand up for themselves, even if it means making noise,” he reiterated. “This school is ridiculous!”
The audience responded with applause, and the video of his speech gained significant traction when it was shared online by his uncle.
Mattingly told WAVE that he felt compelled to speak from the heart and not shy away from addressing the issues he believed needed to be voiced.
The student later clarified that he didn’t want to tarnish the school’s reputation by stating it was “built” on “racism, sexism, and homophobia.”
Jefferson County Public Schools has yet to comment on the incidents related to the graduation event.
