A Wisconsin graduate says she was allowed to walk across the stage—but not to publicly acknowledge the God she credits for getting her there.
The dispute is now raising fresh questions about religious liberty, free speech and whether Christian students are being treated differently from their peers in America’s public schools.
According to Fox News, Sarianne Beronja, a 2026 graduate of Arrowhead High School in Wisconsin, alleges school officials barred her from including a Bible verse in her graduation slideshow just one day before commencement.
Beronja had submitted Proverbs 3:6 as the message to accompany her senior photo: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
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She says the verse wasn’t simply a favorite Scripture—it reflected the foundation that carried her through high school.
But less than 24 hours before graduation, an associate principal informed her that religious messages were not permitted in the slideshow, according to Fox News.
“My faith is a huge part of who I am,” Beronja said, arguing that removing any reference to God stripped away an important part of her story. She also said she hopes speaking out will help protect the rights of future students, according to Fox News.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), which is representing Beronja, argues the district crossed a constitutional line by censoring religious viewpoints while allowing students to express other personal messages.
Deputy Counsel Cory Brewer told Fox News that once a school opens a forum for student expression, it cannot discriminate against speech simply because it is religious.
School officials strongly disagree.
Superintendent Conrad Farner told Fox News that students had been instructed beforehand that slideshow messages should be limited to thanking family members or discussing future educational or career plans. Because the slideshow was considered school-sponsored speech rather than private student expression, Farner said the district had the authority to prohibit both religious and political statements.
This issue reaches far deeper than a senior slideshow.
Scripture reminds us not to be ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). Throughout history, followers of Christ have faced moments when publicly acknowledging their faith came at a cost. While courts will determine the constitutional questions surrounding this case, it also serves as a reminder that faith is not meant to be hidden when it becomes inconvenient.
As legal battles over religious expression continue across the nation, many believers will be watching to see whether the freedom to speak about Christ remains protected in America’s public square.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
