Principal Vetoes Speech by Abu-Jamal
Students at Castlemont High School voted twice to have a videotaped speech by a death row inmate played at their graduation, but the principal vetoed their decision and chose a respected preacher instead.
Seniors had chosen Mumia Abu-Jamal, whose case they have studied for the last few years, but Principal Ronald Miller selected the Rev. Robert Jackson, which pleased the school board and many teachers.
Abu-Jamal, a former Black Panther, was convicted of killing a police officer in 1981. Because some believe he was set up, he has become a symbol to activists.
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