Class president barred from giving speech due to Occupy ties?

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A girl who worked hard for four years to get to the head of the class and claim her spot as class president has been told she won't be allowed to address her class.

North Haven High School student Molly Gambardella tells News 8 she's barred from giving the commencement speech.

School officials say it was a deadline issue, but Molly says it's a decision made by the school because of her involvement with Occupy. She became so involved with the group, she decided to learn in a different environment.

It's been a life changing few months for Molly who says it all started when a friend invited her to meet protestors at Occupy New Haven.

"Were you picked on because of your involvement with Occupy," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"Oh, for sure. By the teachers and students," Molly said, "emotionally, I just couldn't take anymore."

It was so bad, the National Honor Society student and president of the senior class at North Haven High School stopped going to school two and a half months ago. She's doing work at her new home, with Occupy friends, so she can graduate.

"I'm a lot more confident with what I believe in and I actually have real beliefs I started myself," Molly said.

She wants to share her high school experiences as a student and class president at graduation, but feels she's been told "no" because of her involvement with Occupy.

News 8 asked the Superintendent if that's the case.

"Is that a concern," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"Absolutely not," replied Dr. Robert Cronin. "It really has nothing to do with the North Haven Schools and we'd never prevent a student from speaking because of their involvement with a group outside. I just know anyone who was speaking turned their speeches in by the 25th of May and she had not.

Molly says she contacted her guidance counselor to submit her speech a few weeks ago.

"He said flat out, no you can't do that," Molly said.

Molly says even if she doesn't end up giving her speech at graduation, she will make sure her classmates are able to read it.

"The national Conference in Philadelphia for Occupy they want me to speak there and give the speech there. Occupy Wall Street wants me to post it on their website, which is really awesome," Molly said, "but I'd love to give it at North Haven High School."

The Superintendent says he'll look into the issue further to see if Molly will still be able to speak, but says he's fairly certain they stick to the May deadline for speech submissions.