Days after USC announced it would cancel its valedictorian speech, protesters gathered to support Asna Tabassum, a biomedical engineering major denied the opportunity to speak at the main stage commencement due to posts about Israel. Tabassum faced criticism for her social media posts calling for an end to the Jewish state, which some deemed antisemitic. Defending her stance in a CNN interview, Tabassum argued for the abolishment of Israel as a system of apartheid that dehumanizes Palestinians. USC’s decision to remove all outside speakers and honorees from the commencement ceremony in response to the controversy sparked outrage, with the organization CODEPINK organizing a demonstration demanding that Tabassum be allowed to give her speech.
CODEPINK, a feminist grassroots organization focused on ending U.S. warfare and imperialism, organizing in support of peace and human rights initiatives, criticized USC for censoring a young Muslim woman’s voice. The group called for the reinstatement of Tabassum’s speech and expressed disappointment at the university’s decision to cancel all graduation speakers. USC defended its actions, stating that the valedictorian was not being silenced for her political views on the Israel-Palestine conflict but for the safety of the students and attendees. Provost Andrew Guzman emphasized that the decision was necessary to ensure campus security, citing threats received by the university via letters, phone calls, and emails. USC maintained that the issue was about campus safety, not freedom of speech entitlements.
Following the cancellation of her speech, Tabassum and her supporters received solidarity from protesters rallying against USC’s decision. The university faced backlash for its handling of the situation, as critics questioned the censorship of a student’s perspective on a politically sensitive issue. USC’s move to remove all outside speakers during the commencement ceremony was seen as a response to the controversy surrounding Tabassum’s social media posts about Israel. While the valedictorian herself defended her views in the face of criticism, USC’s decision to prioritize safety over allowing her to speak drew mixed reactions from the public.
The demonstration organized by CODEPINK in support of Tabassum highlighted the ongoing debate over free speech, censorship, and campus safety. The organization’s call to reinstate the valedictorian’s speech underscored concerns about the suppression of certain views and perspectives in academic settings. USC’s decision to prioritize safety over maintaining the tradition of a valedictorian speech raised questions about the balance between protecting students and upholding principles of free speech. As the controversy continues to unfold, the protests and calls for reinstating Tabassum’s speech reflect broader discussions around political expression and inclusivity on college campuses. The outcome of this situation will likely impact future discussions on how universities navigate issues related to controversial speech, safety concerns, and student representation.
