The University of Southern California announced that its valedictorian will not give a commencement speech this year, citing “significant national security risks” surrounding social media communications surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
A school in Los Angeles announced that Asuna Tabassum, a fourth-year student from Chino Hills, California, has been selected as valedictorian and will give a speech along with two celebrants. In a news release Monday, the university announced that she would no longer speak at the ceremony due to the “alarming behavior” of the discussion surrounding her selection.
The move comes after some students, alumni and others complained to the university about Tabassum's social media, including an Instagram profile that links to pro-Palestinian websites.
“The intensity of emotion, fueled both by social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to involve many voices outside the University of Southern California, raising the grave risks associated with security and disruption at the outset.” It's escalated to the point where we're producing,” said Chancellor Andrew. Guzmán said in his statement.
Guzman said the school cannot ignore that similar risks are leading to harassment and violence on other campuses. It added that the school's Department of Public Safety and campus safety team consulted to assess potential threats to the graduating class, which typically gathers around 65,000 people.
“This decision is not only necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students, but also includes the fundamental expectations of federal regulators that the university will act to protect students and keep the campus community safe.” “It is consistent with legal obligations,” he said.
Groups call for USC decision to be reversed
Tabassum addressed the university's decision in a statement released through the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles.
“This was supposed to be a celebratory time for my family, friends, professors, and classmates, but because of my uncompromising belief in the human rights of all people, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices , I was subjected to a campaign of racist hatred,” Tabassum said.
The council said the school's decision amplifies voices of hate, violates its obligation to project its students, and “dares support not only for Muslim students at the University of Southern California, but also for humanity as Palestinians.'' “It sends a terrible message to all students who seek to express their views.” They are also calling on the community to demand that the school allow Tasabum to speak at the graduation ceremony.
Criticism of Tassaboum as a commencement speaker included the student group Trojan Horse for Israel, which said her selection would “deliver an inclusive and meaningful milestone to the Jewish people.” “We have created an unwelcoming and intolerant environment for graduates and their families.”
The 2024 graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 10th.
War in Gaza sparks controversy around the world
The controversy surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has intensified since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a brutal attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people.
Since that day, more than 30,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza. Access to the area is also difficult, with many civilians forced to flee and facing starvation.
The crisis has sparked protests in Gaza demanding the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire, and people who have spoken out in support of Israelis and Palestinians on social media have been threatened.
Contributor: Kinsey Crowley
