Education
Pro-Palestinian valedictorian banned from speaking at USC commencement for safety concerns
Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
In a groundbreaking move, the University of Southern California (USC) has announced that a pro-Palestinian undergraduate student who was selected as valedictorian will not be permitted to give a speech at the upcoming commencement ceremony. This decision marks a first in USC’s history, with Provost Andrew Guzman citing safety concerns as the reason behind the ban.
The student in question, Asna Tabassum, has been accused of harboring antisemitic views by a pro-Israel group, leading to questions about her stance on the conflict in the Middle East. The Council on American-Islamic Relations-Los Angeles has demanded that USC overturn this decision, arguing that Tabassum should be allowed to speak at the ceremony.
Tabassum, through CAIR-LA, expressed her disappointment in the university’s decision, attributing it to what she described as a “campaign of hate.” Meanwhile, reactions among USC students have been mixed, with some advocating for Tabassum’s right to speak as valedictorian and others supporting the university’s prioritization of safety.
The controversy has polarized opinions on campus, with students already planning how they will respond to the decision at the commencement ceremony. The involvement of news outlets like ABC News and City News Service, Inc. has only served to heighten public interest in the unfolding situation. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story on My MBA Career.
