UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CANCELS VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH AFTER PRO-ISRAELI GROUPS INTERFERE
April 17, 2024The University of Southern California cancelled a commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian who has been public in her support of the Palestinian cause.
The university cited security concerns, a rare decision that was influenced and later praised by several pro-Israel groups but lambasted by free speech advocates and the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization.
“I am both shocked by this decision and profoundly disappointed that the University is succumbing to a campaign of hate meant to silence my voice,” Asna Tabassum, the valedictorian, stated.
Andrew T. Guzman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for the private university in Los Angeles, said in a statement that debate over the selection of valedictorian Asna Tabassum to give the May 10 commencement speech took on an “alarming tenor”.
Her speaking would have presented “substantial” security risks for the event, which draws 65,000 people to campus, he said.
Tabassum, who is graduating with a major in biomedical engineering and a minor in resistance to genocide, said she was blindsided by the decision.
“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.”
This is appalling. The silencing of pro-Palestinian voices is racist and full of bigotry. Tabassum earned her place. There is no right from the university to silence under the guise of ‘security concerns’.
@asna.tassbaum record your speech and share it with us and we will spread it to the widest audience around the world. DON’T ALLOW YOU VOICE TO BE SILENCED!
@apnews @cbsnews
If you advocate for TRUTH & JUSTICE, SHARE to spread the knowledge.
#FreeGaza #PalestineSolidarity #GazaGenocide #UNRWA #EndGenocide #Palestine #ICJJustice #ceasefirenow #FreePalestine #Interfaith #StandWithUs #Truth #Palestine #Gaza #Humanrights #Israel #فلسطين #اسرائیل #غزة #airdropaidforgaza #middleeast #facts
English Script:
CBS Anchor: Tonight, the University of Southern California is at the center of a growing controversy after canceling a graduation speech by this year’s valedictorian. Some on campus have been critical of the student’s pro-Palestinian views. CBS’s Carter Evans spoke with a young woman who says she feels betrayed by the university.
Asna Tabassum: It was such a shock and such a surprise and honestly, such an honor.
Carter Evans: That’s how biomedical engineering major Asna Tabassum felt earlier this month when USC chose her to be this year’s valedictorian and the first generation Indian-American was already thinking about her commencement speech. How were you going to address the issue?
Asna Tabassum: The core message I wanted to get across was one of hope.
Carter Evans: But just days later, the university abruptly rescinded its invitation. In a campus wide letter, USC provost Andrew Guzman said social media discussions relating to the valedictorian had taken on an alarming tenor and have escalated to the point of creating substantial risks relating to security.
Asna Tabassum: I was never given the evidence that any safety concerns and that any security concerns were founded.
Carter Evans: What do you think it is?
Asna Tabassum: I think anyone who’s watching this can draw their own conclusion. I look what I look like. I am who I am.
Carter Evans: Tabassum is pro-Palestinian and years ago shared a link on her social media containing language that some consider hate speech.
Asna Tabassum: I’m not apologizing for the link that I put in my Instagram. What I am saying is that I’m committed to human rights. I’m committed to the human rights for all people.
Carter Evans: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict overseas has ignited tensions on college campuses across the U.S. A recent study found 56% of Jewish college students and 52% of Muslim students felt they were in personal danger. That’s 2 to 3 million students.
Asna Tabassum: USC betrayed me.
Carter Evans: But the university insists it’s not about free speech. It’s simply an issue of safety. Carter Evans, CBS News, Los Angeles.
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