USC cancels speech by valedictorian advocating for Palestinians, citing safety concerns

The University of Southern California (USC) cancelled valedictorian Asna Tabassum's commencement speech due to security concerns over her pro-Palestine stance, informed Andrew T. Guzman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for the private university in Los Angeles.

This decision was backed by pro-Israel groups but criticised by free speech advocates and Muslim civil rights organisations.

Guzman did not revealwhether there had been threats, but said that “we cannot ignore the fact that similar risks have led to harassment and even violence at other campuses.”

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“Social media and the ongoing Middle East conflict fueled intense emotions, drawing outside attention and creating a significant risk of disruption and security threats at the ceremony. This dilemma highlights the challenge universities face in balancing free speech with safety, especially as tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict rise with approaching graduation speeches nationwide,” said Guzman.

Zach Greenberg, a lawyer with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, says universities should avoid cancellations that appear like censorship, particularly for prominent events like commencement speeches.

However, if forced to cancel, Greenberg emphasises transparency. Universities must clearly explain security concerns for "both integrity and public safety," allowing attendees to make informed choices.

Asna Tabassum, who is graduating with a degree in biomedical engineering and a minor in resistance to genocide, expressed shock at USC's decision in a statement released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. She claims university officials acknowledged having security measures in place but prioritised their public image.

Tabassum emphasised her commitment to human rights and denied any knowledge of specific threats against her or the university, suggesting the decision stemmed from "anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hatred."

The USC announced its decision the same day pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked roadways in Illinois, California, New York and the Pacific Northwest, temporarily shutting down travel into some of the nation’s most heavily used airports, onto the Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges and on a busy West Coast highway to demand an immediate ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)