The University of Southern California (USC) stirred up controversy when they decided to prevent Asna Tabassum, the 2024 valedictorian, from speaking at the commencement ceremony due to security concerns.
Asna, a first-generation South Asian-American Muslim, was supposed to deliver her speech on May 10, but the university pulled the plug, fearing potential disruptions because of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
USC Provost Andrew Guzman clarified in a campus-wide letter that the decision stemmed from the intense reactions surrounding Asna’s selection as valedictorian, fueled largely by social media and the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The university worried about security risks and disruptions during the ceremony. Asna expressed her shock and disappointment, feeling abandoned by her own university.
This incident has sparked discussions about free speech, safety, and its impact on Muslim students. Hussam Ayloush, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles, criticized USC’s decision, arguing that it empowers hate speech, disregards the university’s duty to protect its students, and sends a negative message to Muslim students and those who support Palestinian rights.
Lauren Bartlett, USC’s Associate Vice President for Strategic and Crisis Communications, declined to reveal the specific security concerns that led to the decision, citing the university’s focus on safety. Asna questioned the decision, stating she wasn’t aware of any specific threats and hadn’t been offered additional security measures.
While USC maintains Asna’s title as valedictorian, it’s unclear if she’ll still be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. The controversy has brought up questions about balancing safety and free speech, particularly for Muslim students. Cancelling Asna’s speech has been criticized as an attempt to silence her and a failure on USC’s part to protect its students.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by Muslim students and highlights the need for a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can freely express their opinions.