USC Cancels Muslim Valedictorian’s Speech Amidst Palestine Controversy 

By Yousuf Ali

The University of Southern California (USC) recently made headlines as it announced the cancellation of its 2024 valedictorian’s commencement speech. Asna Tabassum, a Muslim student who has expressed support for Palestinians, was set to address the graduating class but had her invitation rescinded due to purported security concerns.

According to The Huffington Post, Provost Andrew Guzman cited escalating tensions, both on social media and amid the ongoing Israeli offensive against Gaza, as reasons for the decision. He emphasized the significant security risks associated with Tabassum’s speech, especially considering the large crowd expected to attend the ceremony.

While Guzman did not disclose specific threats, he pointed to the potential for harassment and violence, a concern echoed by other campuses amid similar debates over free speech and safety. According to AP, Zach Greenberg, a First Amendment attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), raised concerns about the cancellation, noting the importance of transparency in such decisions.

He emphasized the need for universities to balance safety concerns with upholding principles of free speech, especially during high-profile events like commencement ceremonies.

Tabassum, a biomedical engineering major with a minor in resistance to genocide, expressed shock and disappointment at USC’s decision. The ongoing ICJ proceedings against Israel for genocide cause many to view the country in that light.

According to AP,  in a statement provided by the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, she denounced the university’s actions as succumbing to a “campaign of hate” aimed at silencing her voice.

The cancellation sparked a debate on campus, with some students expressing disappointment and frustration. Isabella Griggs lamented the loss of an opportunity to address important issues, while Mohammed Zain Shafi Khan emphasized Tabassum’s significance as a representative of the university.  The decision comes amid a broader context of heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s war on Gaza, with campuses across the country becoming hotbeds of protest.

While some groups praised USC’s decision, others, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned it as cowardly and disingenuous.

Tabassum, in her statement, urged her classmates to reject fear and hatred, instead advocating for dialogue and justice for all people, including Palestinians.