Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith is speaking out after controversy surrounding his recent appearance at a northwest Indiana high school career event.

According to a statement released by Beckwith’s office, the lieutenant governor was invited to serve as keynote speaker at the Valparaiso High School Career Fair, where he said he focused his remarks on job opportunities and future careers for students.

Following his speech, Beckwith said he answered questions from students on a variety of topics, noting his responses reflected his Christian faith and conservative values.

Later that evening, Jim McCall, superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools, issued a public apology regarding Beckwith’s appearance, describing some of the alleged comments as “offensive” and emphasizing that schools should not serve as platforms for political agendas.

In response, Beckwith criticized McCall’s stance, pointing to a previous instance in which students in the district participated in a walkout to protest immigration enforcement policies. Beckwith questioned whether that action constituted political activity within schools.

Beckwith also expressed concern about what he described as a potential “chilling effect” on students and staff, suggesting the situation could discourage individuals from expressing their beliefs.

In his statement, Beckwith noted that McCall is expected to leave his position at the end of the school year to pursue a job in the private sector.