The University of Southern California has announced the cancellation of appearances by prominent speakers and honorees at its upcoming graduation ceremony. This decision comes shortly after the institution called off the commencement speech of its Muslim valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, citing security concerns.
USC stated that the move to bar outside speakers from the 2024 commencement on May 10 is aimed at keeping the focus on the graduates. The university had planned to honor individuals such as filmmaker Jon M. Chu, tennis legend Billie Jean King, and geophysicist Marcia McNutt with honorary degrees.
Following the cancellation of Tabassum's speech, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on campus to protest the decision, chanting 'Let her speak.' The university emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of the community amidst escalating tensions and security risks.
Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian American Muslim studying biomedical engineering, defended her advocacy for human rights, including sharing a link on her Instagram page critical of Zionism. She explained that her actions were in line with her commitment to standing up for human rights and promoting academic discourse.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to impact global conversations, USC's decision reflects the challenges universities face in navigating complex geopolitical issues while upholding academic freedom and ensuring the safety of their community.
