USC will not have its valedictorian deliver the 2024 commencement speech during graduation, citing security concerns, the school announced.
The decision was made after several organizations on and off campus raised concerns about Asna Tabassum and her online connection to anti-Semitic rhetoric.
While USC officials said while they can’t comment if they’ve received any threats, they said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has contributed to violence at other campuses.
Shortly after USC announced Tabassum, a fourth year student from Chino Hills with a major in biomedical engineering and a minor in resistance to genocide, was selected as the 2024 valedictorian, there were calls for the university to reconsider their decision.
Several organizations asked for USC to remove her as Valedictorian because of a link on her social media account that they said contains anti-Semitic language. Tabassum also said she added that link on her social media account five years ago and that she was not the author.
USC released a community message, explaining the decision: “This decision is not only necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students, but is consistent with the fundamental legal obligation – including the expectations of federal regulators – that universities act to protect students and keep our campus community safe. It applies the same values and criteria that we have used in the past to guide our actions. In no way does it diminish the remarkable academic achievements of any student considered or selec…
Read moreabsolute embarrassment. zionists complain they feel unsafe on campus and then literally threaten violence and retaliation to the point that her speech is canceled.
fragile, genocidal losers.
Ummm what? Her speech was somehow going to make the environment unsafe for everyone else?
@B1partisanLouieGreen2wks2W
I remember when this reason was used to censor anyone with a right of center view on campus… funny to read these responses from people who used to cheer on this kind of censorship.
Still, it was cowardly of universities then and it’s cowardly now.
Cowards. She worked her *** off for YEARS ro be the best student and doesn't get to to have her speech. Absolutely unacceptable by USC. Bunch of cowards bowing to Islamophobia
The university is correct that she doesn’t have a 1st Amendment right to make a speech at commencement.
But free speech is a virtue that goes beyond the limits of the 1st Amendment. Just because they don’t have to let her speak doesn’t mean they shouldn’t.
@ObsessedD3b4t3Democrat2wks2W
But if they have reason to believe a student is going to be disruptive at an event, and cause potential safety issues they alluded to, they have a LEGAL obligation to take steps to prevent it.
Simple.
Good. Graduation isn't a platform for hate speech.
By cancelling the speech of valedictorian Asna Tabassum, USC caves to anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate.
This unprecedented decision does not keep anyone safe, it only emboldens bigotry. This a shameful attempt to silence the voices of those who speak up for Palestinians.
I do not know if this student was planning to talk politics in her valedictorian speech. I would be glad if she did. But it sure looks like USC decided to go full-on racist and not take any chances. Faculty at USC should be ashamed of their admin and not stand for this.
@DopeyMackerelGreen2wks2W
They’ll tell you to be a good immigrant. Put your head down, work hard. So you do. You make it, you are Valedictorian at a great school. Turns out, your hard work can only get you so far, because you’re still Muslim and brown and no amount of work can change that. Shame on USC.
@RadicalBasmatiDemocrat2wks2W
Maybe she lost all those rights when she posted hate? Hmm?
USC is a private institution. Expel her and deny her the degree.
Actions have consequences.
"I am not surprised by those who attempt to propagate hatred. I am surprised that my own university—my home for four years—has abandoned me."
Every line of USC valedictorian Asna Tabassum's statement is brilliant, heartbreaking and infuriating.
We cannot decontextualize USC’s virulently Islamophobic action against their Muslim valedictorian - by cancelling her speech - from the UC Berkeley professor assaulting a Muslim law student protestor at a law school event just days ago.
And both are Muslim women who wear hijab.
@Equ4lityFlamingoGreen2wks2W
Incredible story. USC offers a minor in “resistance to genocide”, this girl minored in it, was named valedictorian, and then they cancelled her speech because she might talk about genocide
@OryxJasmineRepublican2wks2W
Don't call her a "girl." She's not a child.
She's a grown woman. As we can see by the very astute statement she made.
If they cancelled a Jewish student’s speech for being sympathetic to Israelis, I’m pretty sure Congress would pass a resolution authorizing a missile strike on their university.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
How important is it for educational institutions to remain neutral in political conflicts, and what are the challenges in doing so?
@9LKYWFRIndependent2wks2W
I think the educational institution is really important.
@9LKXW2C2wks2W
It's very important for education institutions to avoid implementing their biases regarding political conflicts and instead continuing to teach kids the different political opinions so students can form their own opinions.
@9LKX5872wks2W
Educational institutions should either not learn kids about current political conflicts, such as Ukraine Russia or Palestine Israel, as there isn't known enough about it
The teachers need to be neutral, otherwise they don't know the full capacities of the parties.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
How would you feel if your opportunity to share a significant achievement was revoked due to your political beliefs?
@9LKZ6JF2wks2W
I would feel wronged. Just because my beliefs are different, does not mean I cannot share my significant achievements.
@9LKVVFB2wks2W
It will be unfair it takes away the freedom of choice.
@9LKVS5Q2wks2W
political beliefs are nothing but ideas, they are a fundamental thing that requires democracy to go around and keep going. restraining opportunities because of an idea is stupid and ignorant to how the country runs.
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