(Scypre.com) – The University of Southern California (USC) found itself at the center of intense controversy following the cancellation of a graduation speech by Asna Tabassum, the chosen valedictorian who is known for her pro-Palestinian views. The decision, made by President Carol Folt, was intended to mitigate campus tensions during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. However, it only served to escalate debates over student activism, free speech, and allegations of antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias.
A protest erupted near the iconic Tommy Trojan statue, where supporters of Tabassum clashed with opposing voices. The university cited unspecified security threats as the rationale behind the cancellation, a move that drew sharp criticism from many corners of the academic community. Over a hundred student groups expressed their dismay in a strongly-worded letter to the administration, and more than 130 faculty members penned a letter to President Folt, accusing her of hampering open communication.
Tabassum, a biomedical engineering major who has not been overtly active in political movements, feels targeted for her religious identity and political beliefs, as evident from her Instagram profile which links to a pro-Palestinian website. This link alone was enough for pro-Israel groups to brand her as antisemitic, questioning her selection as valedictorian and her right to speak at the graduation.
In the midst of this, Provost Andrew Guzman stated that canceling the speech was not the administration’s preferred course of action, but he expressed comfort with the decision given the circumstances. This sentiment was echoed by Erroll Southers, USC’s associate senior vice president for safety and risk assurance, who declined to comment further.
On campus, tensions were palpable. Brent Blair, a theater professor and visibly Jewish, stood by the Tommy Trojan statue holding a sign supporting Tabassum’s right to speak. This prompted mixed reactions from students, with some supporting Blair’s stance while others expressed fear and disagreement. One passerby confronted Blair, questioning his support for Tabassum, highlighting the deep divisions within the community.
Off-campus groups, like the Revolutionary Communist organization, joined the fray, distributing flyers and advocating for pro-Palestinian voices to be heard, further stirring the controversy.
Tabassum, undeterred by the backlash, stated that the university’s decision to silence her has only amplified her voice. She insists that her planned speech was meant to focus on hope, not controversy.
As USC navigates this challenging situation, the decision to cancel the valedictorian speech continues to fuel a broader discussion about freedom of expression, the impact of student activism, and the role of universities in managing conflict and dissent within their communities.