Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s appearance at a Valparaiso career fair turned controversial Friday, beginning with his introduction.
That introduction, adapted from his official biography posted on the state’s website, included, “Whether it’s slashing taxes, demanding accountability, defending our Constitutional rights, or fighting the woke agenda, he will be your unwavering advocate.”
Superintendent Jim McCall issued an apology afterward.
“That biography included a political phrase that had no place in our school, and it should have been caught and removed by our staff before it ever reached that student’s hands,” McCall wrote in a Facebook post. “We’re sorry for that.”
McCall’s statement said the high school had planned Beckwith’s appearance as a special reveal and, as a result, did not tell families he was coming in advance.
“That was wrong and we should have done better,” according to McCall’s statement. “Parents deserve to know who is speaking to their children.”
Valparaiso High School senior class vice president Nadia Cole-Whalum addresses seniors and juniors while class president Julian Campos listens Friday, April 17, 2026. (Doug Ross/for the Post-Tribune)The VHS career fair was organized by its college and career department.
After Beckwith’s speech ended ahead of schedule, “students moved toward the career fair, but vendors weren’t ready yet, so they had to remain in the auditorium,” McCall wrote. “That was a scheduling gap on the school’s end, nothing more.”
Some parents had complained on social media about their children not being allowed to leave.
“Finally, some additional individual exchanges that took place after the keynote, including Mr. Beckwith’s personal opinions shared directly with students, were not part of the planned program. Many found these exchanges offensive, and they should not have occurred,” McCall wrote.
“Mr. Beckwith’s personal views are his own and do not reflect Valparaiso Community Schools,” he wrote. “Our schools are not a platform for any political agenda, and every student deserves to feel respected and welcome here. We will vet outside speakers more carefully going forward, regardless of the title they hold.”
Beckwith released a statement on Facebook on Saturday afternoon about the community response to his visit.
“Following my remarks, I was approached by a group of juniors and seniors eager to ask questions on a wide range of topics,” Beckwith wrote. “As always, I gladly provided answers based on my Christian faith and conservative values. ”
Beckwith criticized McCall’s apology in light of the district allowing student walkouts to protest ICE at VHS and Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson middle schools earlier this spring.
“It sounds to me like Jim (McCall) only believes in freedom of speech when the speech in question aligns with his own political beliefs,” Beckwith stated. “This is a horrible and dangerous message to be teaching the young minds of Valparaiso Community Schools.”
A change.org petition begun Friday in response to Beckwith’s appearance drew 319 signatures before Dallas W., who posted it, declared victory in response to McCall’s statement.
“We do not mean to completely (censor) political involvement and activism at Valparaiso High School,” the petition read. “We fully respect the authority of the Club America chapter and the up-and-coming High School Democrats of America chapter. The difference is that these organizations participate on a voluntary basis. People sign up for these clubs to talk to like-minded people.”
“When questioned at the end of his speech about some of his policies, he placed transgender individuals on the same level as people struggling with anorexia and eating disorders,” one comment said.
Last May, Beckwith wrote a post on Facebook entitled “The Rainbow Beast Is Coming For Your Kids!” to criticize the LGBTQ+ community at the beginning of Pride Month.
The Valparaiso Democratic Committee issued a statement on social media afterward.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or education doctorate to realize that a right wing zealot is going to be inappropriate to the event,” the statement read.
State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said it’s important for elected officials to engage with youth.
Speak to them just like a teacher would, not like at a political rally, Pol said. Make them comfortable to ask questions.
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Genuine, civil conversations with students “in a lot of cases are much more mature than some of the adults you have conversations with,” he said.
“I would never go into a classroom and say I’m here to eliminate the conservative agenda, because I think that’s disrespectful,” Pol said. Just talk about issues rather than political teams and equip them to discuss things as issues rather than political grandstanding, he said.
In his keynote address, Beckwith gave VHS juniors and seniors a call to action when it comes to careers.
“Clarity doesn’t come before action. Clarity comes because of action,” he said. “God can’t drive a parked car, and you can’t drive a parked car. You’ve got to get moving.”
The career fair was aimed at giving students the opportunity to explore career options through breakout sessions on various career paths as well as visiting exhibits to talk to a wide range of recruiters.
Isabella Wring, a junior, explored options during the career fair, visiting the Porter County Sheriff’s Department exhibit, where she spoke with police social worker Ellen Denton.
“I love getting to be a part of making our community better,” Denton said. “I love coming here, taking to kids.”
Wring said she wants to become an elementary school teacher. “I love being with kids,” she said, including working with a day care and teaching at her church.
Claire Fezatt, a junior, learned about becoming a lawyer. “They gave pretty good insight,” she said. That’s a career option. “I like winning arguments.”
“It’s between that and physical therapy,” Fezatt said. The career fair was very informative, she said. There was one other benefit, too. “I got a lot of candy.”
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.