The University of Southern California said its valedictorian will no longer give a graduation speech this year, citing “substantial security risks” related to social media discussions around the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Los Angeles school revealed that Asna Tabassum, a fourth-year student from Chino Hills, California, had been selected as valedictorian and would deliver a speech alongside two salutatorians. In a press release Monday, the university said she would no longer speak at the ceremony after the discussion over her selection took on “alarming content.”
The move comes after some students, alumni and others complained to the university about Tabassum’s social media, which includes an Instagram bio linking to a pro-Palestinian website.
“The intensity of feeling, fueled by both social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to include many voices outside of USC and has intensified to the point of creating substantial security and disruption risks early on,” Provost Andrew said. Guzman said in a statement.
Guzman said the school cannot ignore that similar risks have led to harassment and violence on other campuses. He added that the school’s Department of Public Safety and the campus security team consulted to assess potential threats to the graduation, which typically draws about 65,000 people.
“This decision is not only necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and our students, but it is also consistent with the fundamental legal obligation – including the expectations of federal regulators – that universities act to protect students and ensure the safety of our university community,” he said.
Groups call for reversal of USC decision
Tabassum addressed the university’s decision in a statement released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Los Angeles.
“Even though this should have been a moment of celebration for my family, friends, teachers and classmates, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices subjected me to a racist hate campaign because of my belief uncompromising in human rights for all. » said Tabassum.
The board said the school’s decision empowers voices of hate, violates its obligation to project students and “sends a terrible message not only to Muslim students at USC but to all students who dare express their support to Palestinian humanity. He also urges the community to demand that the school allow Tassabum to speak at the graduation.
Among the calls against Tassabum as graduation speaker was the student group “Trojans for Israel,” which said her selection had turned “an inclusive and meaningful milestone into an unwelcoming and intolerant environment for Jewish graduates and their families.
The 2024 opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 10.
Gaza war stirs controversy around the world
Controversies over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have grown since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a brutal attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since that day. The region is also difficult to access, leaving many civilians displaced and facing starvation.
The crisis has led to protests for the release of Israeli hostages and a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, with those speaking out in support of Israelis and Palestinians on social media receiving threats.
Contributor: Kinsey Crowley
News Source : www.usatoday.com
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