FALSE: AME University Silenced Valedictorian Over Religious Content
Claim: "The Dux of AME University's 2025 graduating class, who is Muslim, was blocked by the University administration from delivering her official commencement."
Source: Yekeh Kolubah, Online Media Platform
Verdict: FALSE
Full Text : On November 14, 2025, an online platform linked to Yekeh Kolubah claimed that African Methodist Episcopal University prevented its 2025 Dux and Valedictorian, Mashamie Sheriff, from delivering her commencement address.
According to the post, the university allegedly stopped the speech after learning that the student intended to speak about "religious intolerance," including the recent Red Light incident in which an imam and several community members were assaulte d.
The post circulated widely on social media, attracting 1.2K shares, 598 reactions, and 42 comments.
Verification : To verify this claim, TSM reviewed Ms. Sheriff's Facebook account on Facebook. On November 18, 2025, she publicly refuted the claim in a written statement, describing the allegation as "entirely false, fabricated, and deliberately misleading."
Sheriff clarified that her prepared speech contained no reference to religion or religious intolerance. Rather, the content focused strictly on academic excellence, service, and student experiences.
She further explained that she could not deliver the speech due to time constraints, a reason the university had already communicated. "It is dishonest and impossible for anyone to claim knowledge of content that was never presented," she stated.
Sheriff condemned the claim as a reckless act capable of inciting tension in a country where religious harmony is critical. She also disclosed that the misinformation triggered online harassment and bullying against her.
On November 17, 2025, AME University released a formal public statement refuting and condemning the claim. The university called it "false, irresponsible, malicious, and deliberately divisive."
AME University emphasized that it stands against all forms of discrimination and rejects any attempt to associate the institution with religious intolerance. The school clarified that neither Valedictorian Mashamie Sheriff nor Graduate School Dux Richmond King delivered speeches due to time constraints, not religious or personal reasons.
Additionally, both duxes were brought on stage, recognized, honored, and celebrated. Their speeches were also printed in the official Commencement Program, ensuring visibility. Mr. King, who is not Muslim, was equally unable to deliver his speech, disproving any religious motive.
TSM reviewed the university's Facebook page video, in which Rev. Alvin E. Attah, AME president, was heard and seen calling both students on stage.
Conclusion : Based on available evidence from both the valedictorian and the university administration, the speeches were not delivered because of time and logistical constraints, not religious content. The claim that AME University blocked the valedictorian for referencing religious intolerance is FALSE.
