Fifth grader earned the right to give gay marriage speech

Whether or not you approve of gay marriage, most Americans are proud of our commitment to free speech. The two issues became enmeshed when Kameron Slade, a Queens fifth grader, wrote a speech supporting gay marriage for a school-wide contest, including such (non-)inflammatory sentiments as "Marriage is about love, support, and commitment. So who are we to judge?" The adorable kid's dream of delivering it was dashed when Principal Beryl Bailey decreed it too controversial for fifth grade. But New Yorkers rallied around Slade: Local news channel NY1 allowed Slade to read his entire essay on air -- and, after a public outcry, Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, announced that Slade would be allowed to give it.