Amid concerns over alleged antisemitic remarks made online, the valedictorian of USC will not be allowed to give a speech at the university's commencement ceremony due to security worries, as announced by the school's provost today.
"While this is disappointing, the importance of safety outweighs tradition," Provost Andrew Guzman stated in a message to the university community. "This decision is crucial for upholding campus safety and protecting our students, in line with legal obligations and the expectations of federal regulators."
"The criteria used for this decision align with our past practices. It does not undermine the academic accomplishments of any valedictorian candidate. It is essential to clarify that this is not a matter of restricting freedom of speech. Speaking at a commencement is not a guaranteed right. The primary concern is the preservation of campus security and safety, nothing else."
Asna Tabassum had been previously announced as this year's valedictorian. However, critics raised questions about views relating to the conflict in the Middle East she has posted online. In letters sent to USC administrators, critics accused her of posting on a social media account a link to a website that "takes a swinging bat at over 10% of the USC student body and mudslings by calling Zionists `racist-settlers'."
"Ms. Tabassum unabashedly and openly endorses the link's calls for `the complete abolishment of the state of israel (sic),'" according to a letter circulated for critics to submit to administrators. "As if the unqualified command for abolition of the State of Israel was unclear in any way, Ms. Tabassum's link reinforces racism with another link, urging readers to `reject the hegemonic efforts to demand that Palestinians accept that Israel has a right to exist as a . . . Jewish state."
Immediately following Guzman's announcement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Los Angeles issued a statement demanding that the decision be reversed and that Tabassum be permitted to speak. Tabassum released a statement through CAIR-LA, saying "anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices have subjected me to a campaign of racist hatred because of my uncompromising belief in human rights for all."
"The decision to prevent me from speaking at commencement has achieved its goal: USC has informed me that I will no longer be able to address my peers due to supposed security concerns," she expressed. "I am shocked and deeply disappointed that the university is giving in to a hateful campaign aimed at silencing me.
"I am used to facing hatred, but I did not expect my own university -- my home for four years -- to turn its back on me."
Hussam Ayloush, Executive Director of CAIR-LA, criticized USC's decision as "cowardly" and the justification as "disingenuous."
"Asna is a highly accomplished student who deserved the valedictorian honor this year," Ayloush stated. "The university has the responsibility to ensure a safe graduation environment instead of canceling a valedictorian's speech."
"The attacks on Asna are baseless and reflect Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, which are used against students advocating for human rights -- including Palestinian rights," he added.
Guzman, in his message to the campus, noted the concerning escalation in response to the valedictorian selection.
Amid the growing intensity of emotions, fueled by social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a multitude of voices beyond USC have become involved, leading to significant security risks and potential disruptions at the upcoming commencement. The concern is that similar situations at other campuses have resulted in harassment and violence.
"In times like these, especially with heightened tensions worldwide, the safety of our community must take precedence," a spokesperson stated. "As is customary, we have been closely monitoring our security needs for commencement, considering all available information and current circumstances. Our Department of Public Safety and experienced campus safety team are well-equipped to assess potential threats, and we have consulted with them regarding the present scenario, taking into account our unique circumstances and the escalating risks observed at other institutions globally. We are steadfast in our dedication to upholding and prioritizing the safety and well-being of the USC community in the upcoming weeks, allowing attendees to focus on honoring our graduates."
