16 Apr. 24
USC has prevented Asna Tabassum, a graduating senior and valedictorian, from speaking at the 2024 graduation ceremony, citing safety concerns stemming from threats and controversy surrounding her pro-Palestinian stance.
This decision marks the first time USC (University of Southern California) has denied a valedictorian the opportunity to speak at commencement, a ceremony that typically draws over 65,000 attendees to the Los Angeles campus.
In a campuswide announcement, USC Provost Andrew T. Guzman referenced unspecified threats received after Tabassum’s selection was publicized, stating that these threats had escalated to a concerning level, posing significant security and disruption risks for the ceremony.
Guzman clarified that the decision was made solely to prioritize campus safety, emphasizing that there is no inherent entitlement to speak at commencement based on free speech principles.
Asna Tabassum, a biomedical engineering major, was selected as valedictorian from a pool of nearly 100 high-achieving student applicants.
Following USC President Carol Folt’s announcement of Tabassum’s selection, numerous on- and off-campus groups criticized her, focusing on her pro-Palestinian views and affiliations.
Tabassum faced scrutiny from various groups, including We Are Tov and Trojans for Israel, who accused her of promoting antisemitism through her social media activity.
Tabassum expressed disappointment and shock at USC’s decision to bar her from speaking, attributing the decision to a campaign aimed at silencing her viewpoints.
In response, USC officials stressed that the university remains in contact with Tabassum and is providing her with support during this time.
The decision-makers at USC reiterated that the ban was purely a security measure and not a judgment on Tabassum’s identity or past statements.
Erroll Southers, USC’s associate senior vice president for safety and risk assurance, disclosed that threats against Tabassum arrived via various channels, including email, phone calls, and letters.
Pro-Palestinian advocacy groups, such as the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the USC Palestine Justice Faculty Group, have denounced USC’s decision and called for Tabassum to be reinstated as a commencement speaker.
