Southeastern University (SEU) student Justin Aguilar recently had the opportunity to testify at the Religious Liberty Commission hearing at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., which gathered to discuss religious liberty issues in public education.
Aguilar was one of 16 witnesses 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. Aguilar 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.
During his testimony, Aguilar 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.
Aguilar 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 speech unchanged. After sharing his faith-filled message, Aguilar 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 Aguilar. “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.”
Aguilar is currently in his first semester at SEU Carolina, one of the university’s partner sites in Concord, North Carolina. He is studying Christian Ministry.
This release is also available on the SEU Blog.
About SEU
Southeastern University (SEU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. Founded in 1935 and located in the Central Florida community of Lakeland, SEU offers more than 115 degree programs including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SEU’s reach expands beyond the Lakeland campus, with a comprehensive online learning program and more than 250 partner site programs worldwide. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at SEU.edu.