The University of Southern California is making adjustments to next month's graduation ceremony by removing outside speakers and honorees, following a controversial decision to prevent the university's valedictorian from delivering her commencement speech.
"To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program," USC stated on Friday afternoon.
The administration had initially chosen "Crazy Rich Asians" director Jon M. Chu as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2024, as indicated on a recently removed page from the university's website.
"Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year's ceremony," the school announced. "It is important that our full attention be on our remarkable graduates. We will be celebrating their accomplishments in a way that reflects the unity we love so much about our Trojan Family."
The decision to make these changes came after the university decided to cancel valedictorian Asna Tabassum's ceremonial speech due to security concerns. Tabassum faced backlash over her views on the Middle East Conflict and her social media presence, which critics claimed promoted "antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric."
"I will not back down from the stance I took on my Instagram. I firmly stand by my commitment to human rights and equality for all individuals," Tabassum stated following the cancellation. "Accusations that I do not value the lives of certain groups are unfounded and untrue."
The decision to revoke Tabassum's valedictorian title sparked outrage among students, with hundreds gathering near the university's Tommy Trojan statue to voice their dissent against the administration's actions.
"She is one of the most talented individuals I've ever encountered," expressed student Kaiser Kuresi. "It's appalling that the university is attempting to silence her."
In response, USC clarified that their choice was not influenced by Tabassum's background or beliefs.
"The university's leadership made this decision after careful consultation with our Department of Public Safety and threat assessment team," USC explained in a statement. "The determination was based on a comprehensive evaluation of the circumstances from a safety and security perspective, unrelated to the valedictorian's personal history or opinions."
USC senior Mark Rayant expressed a desire for the university to issue an apology for initially choosing Tabassum as the valedictorian.
"My primary concern is the selection of an individual who takes such a strong and divisive stance on current controversial issues," Rayant remarked.
He reached out to Tabassum with a letter following the announcement, seeking an opportunity for dialogue.
"To provide her with a new perspective, I believe she may be lacking because it is such a highly polarized and politicized issue," he expressed.
A Change.org petition advocating for Tabassum to be allowed to speak at commencement has garnered thousands of signatures. Additionally, over 50 student organizations have endorsed a letter in support of Tabassum, who contended that USC succumbed to hatred.
"I'm just as dedicated to the lives of Jews as I am to Muslims or to Christians, or to any other sort of identity," Tabassum stated earlier this week.
Further information regarding the commencement ceremony is anticipated to be revealed next week. The ceremony is scheduled for May 10 at 8:30 a.m.
Honorary degrees will be conferred during a subsequent commencement or another academic event.
