MONROVIA – The Administration of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) categorically refutes and condemns, without reservation, the false, irresponsible, and deliberately divisive story circulating on social media alleging that Ms. Mashamie Sheriff, Dux of the Undergraduate Class of the 25th Graduating Class, was denied the opportunity to deliver her valedictory speech because she is a Muslim.
An AMEU statement issued over the weekend states, “This allegation is not only false but malicious. It seeks to damage the reputation of an institution built on fairness, equality, and academic excellence. AME University stands firmly against all forms of discrimination and rejects any attempt to associate its name with religious intolerance.”
To clarify, neither Ms. Sheriff (Dux of the Undergraduate Class) nor Mr. Richmond King (Dux of the Graduate School) delivered their speeches solely due to time constraints. The Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for 10:00 AM, commenced at 12:00 PM due to unforeseen delays beyond the control of several stakeholders.
With an expanded list of graduates and reduced time, the University made a professional and logistical adjustment to uphold the dignity and structure of the program. Instead of reading their speeches, the two scholars were invited on stage, recognized, honored, and celebrated for their outstanding academic achievements. This decision was purely administrative and absolutely unrelated to religion, identity, or personal background.
“It is deeply concerning that certain individuals have chosen to distort this routine administrative adjustment into a narrative intended to inflame religious sentiment,” the AMEU statement continues.
The University further adds that it had extensively promoted both scholars on its social media and other official communication platforms in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. Moreover, both speeches were printed and published in the official Commencement Program, ensuring full visibility and acknowledgment of their academic excellence.
“To allege discrimination while ignoring the fact that Mr. King—who is not a Muslim—was equally affected is unhealthy, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to create unnecessary division.
We wish to add that prior to the graduation ceremony, we produced two reels showcasing both Ms. Sheriff (Dux of the undergraduates) and Mr. King (Dux of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies). The content was posted on our social media pages, jointly generating thousands of views.”
AME University issues a note of caution to individuals who habitually attach religious motives to normal institutional decisions to desist immediately. “Such actions undermine the peace, coexistence, and unity that this institution has preserved for decades. AME University remains a proud home of diversity—an environment where students of all faiths, origins, and identities thrive side by side. We will not allow misinformation to overshadow our commitment to excellence, integrity, and mutual respect,” the AMEU states.
The University concludes by urging the public to disregard these baseless claims and rely exclusively on official sources for accurate information.
It can be recalled that social media was flooded with allegations by unscrupulous individuals claiming that the AMEU had restricted the Valedictorian of the Undergraduate School from delivering her speech because it contained content that spoke against religious tolerance. The AMEU has dismissed these allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to diversity.
