The University of Southern California has announced that its valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, will no longer be delivering a graduation speech due to concerns over security related to social media chatter surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tabassum, a fourth-year student from Chino Hills, California, was selected as the valedictorian and was supposed to give a speech alongside two salutatorians. However, after complaints about her social media presence, particularly her Instagram bio linking to a pro-Palestine website, the decision was made to cancel her speech to protect the safety of the campus community.
Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the intensity of feelings surrounding Tabassum’s selection, inflamed by social media and the conflict in the Middle East, posed substantial risks to security and could lead to disruption at the commencement ceremony. He emphasized that the safety of students and the campus community is paramount, and similar situations at other universities have resulted in harassment and violence. The decision to cancel Tabassum’s speech was made in consultation with the school’s Department of Public Safety and campus safety team to assess potential threats for the event, which typically draws a crowd of around 65,000 people.
Asna Tabassum responded to the university’s decision through a statement released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Los Angeles, condemning the campaign of racist hatred she has faced due to her beliefs in human rights for all. The council criticized the school for empowering voices of hate, failing to protect students, and sending a negative message to not only Muslim students at USC but all students who support Palestinian rights. Calls have been made for the school to reverse its decision and allow Tabassum to speak at graduation, with the community urged to demand her inclusion as a speaker at the ceremony.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, controversies have escalated globally, particularly since a brutal attack by Hamas militants resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel. Over 30,000 Palestinians have also died in Gaza, with the region facing severe challenges related to displacement and famine. The crisis has sparked protests for the release of Israeli hostages and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, with individuals expressing support for both Israelis and Palestinians on social media facing threats and backlash. The situation remains volatile and continues to draw attention and debate from around the world.
Groups such as “Trojans For Israel” have spoken out against Tabassum as a graduation speaker, arguing that her selection has created an unwelcoming and intolerant environment for Jewish graduates and their families. The decision to cancel her speech has sparked further controversy and raised questions about freedom of expression and the right to express support for various causes at academic institutions. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 10, and the school’s actions have prompted discussions about the balance between ensuring security and protecting students’ rights to share their views.
The cancellation of Asna Tabassum’s valedictorian speech at the University of Southern California highlights the complex and challenging issues that arise in the context of sensitive political conflicts and debates. The decision reflects the institution’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its students and upholding legal obligations, but it has also sparked criticism and calls for reconsideration. As tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict continue to reverberate globally, the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering inclusive and respectful dialogue while navigating divisive and contentious issues within academic communities.
