East Carolina University has removed a ban prohibiting students from thanking God, which was initially imposed by Assistant Professor Eli Hvastkovs, who told students not to mention or thank God at a graduation ceremony because he thought it was not the "family friendly" thing to do.

"I've had some submissions that needed to be edited. so [sic] here are some guidelines," wrote Hvastkovs to his students in a letter. "1. You can't thank God. I'm sorry about this - and I don't want to have to outline the reasons why."

In a recent interview, Hvastkovs explained his reasons for why he did not want God to be mentioned at the event, despite the fact the ban violated the students' freedom of speech and expression.

"It's not a religious ceremony," said Hvastkovs to Campus Reform. "It's purely educational."

The professor also revealed that it was his idea and not a standard procedure by the university because he did not like the students from last year's graduating class constantly giving credit to God and other spiritual beings in their speeches.

"It's more of a departmental thing, we have a diverse student body," said Hvastkovs.

East Carolina University Dean Dr. Marilyn Sheerer released the following statement in a letter to students regarding the controversial ban.

"These statements can be your personal expressions and as such the University will only limit these expressions, as permitted by applicable First Amendment law," wrote Sheerer in the e-mail letter.

ECU Executive Director of Communication Mary Schulken echoes Dr. Sheerer's sentiments in a recent interview.

"The First Amendment allows them to thank God, to thank any force or any individual that they so desire," said Schulken.

The unofficial ban has since been removed, and the Chemistry Department students at East Carolina University will now be able to freely express themselves at their graduation on May 9, 2014.