Ottawa high school principal apologizes for ‘unexpected and unapproved’ comments in graduation speech

The sign for Bell High School in Ottawa on June 16, 2025. (Josh Marano/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board says commencement ceremonies are not an “appropriate forum” for discussions on issues that impact the community, after the valedictorian made a pro-Palestinian remark in her speech at Bell High School.

The principal of the high school in Ottawa’s west end apologized to parents and guardians for the “unexpected and unapproved comments” made during the graduation ceremony last Thursday.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims says the valedictorian called for peace for the people of Gaza during her speech.

A video of the graduation speech posted on Instagram shows the valedictorian said after a land acknowledgment, “as a commitment to truth and reconciliation, I must acknowledge colonial and genocidal atrocities today, including the massacre of more than 17,000 Palestinian children in Gaza.”

In a letter to parents, Bell High School principal Jane Conrod said the content of the speech, ”which touched on deeply sensitive global events, was not part of the pre-approved speech.”

“I am writing to acknowledge and express my deepest apologies for the unexpected and unapproved comments made during the valedictorian speech at last night’s commencement ceremony,” Conrod said.

“Despite the best efforts of staff to ensure that our commencement ceremony remained focused on celebrating the achievements of our graduates, an unfortunate incident did occur last night. A speech was given by a student that intentionally took focus away from the purpose of the event, celebrating the achievements of our graduating class.”

“We deeply regret that this occurred and are truly sorry for the harm that has been caused.”

Some Bell High School students held a walkout Monday afternoon in support of the speech.

A spokesperson for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board tells CTV News Ottawa no students were suspended in relation to the graduation speech at Bell High School.

“As a district, our primary goal for our commencements is to create a joyous celebration of student achievement in a ceremony that welcomes many additional people who support and care about the students being recognized,” the OCDSB said in a statement Monday afternoon.

“We strive to provide an inclusive and memorable experience for all graduates, families, and staff. We work collaboratively with student speakers to prepare content that aligns with the celebratory spirit of the ceremony. Our schools provide appropriate forums within the school year to engage thoughtfully with a wide range of issues that impact our community. These settings are designed to facilitate respectful, safe and supportive discussions. We do not feel that commencement ceremonies provide the appropriate forum for such discussions.”

CTV News Ottawa has not been able to contact the valedictorian for comment.