LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Asna Tabassum, selected as USC’s 2024 valedictorian, is grappling with disappointment as the university refuses her the opportunity to address her peers at the commencement ceremony due to purported security concerns, according to a campus-wide announcement by USC Provost Andrew Guzman. The decision comes amidst heightened tensions fueled by social media discussions and the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian-American Muslim, expresses profound shock and disillusionment over the university’s choice, describing the valedictorian honor as a lifelong achievement and a testament to her parents’ dedication and values. Having hoped to use the platform to inspire her peers with a message of hope, Tabassum finds herself questioning the motives behind the cancellation, especially given the absence of specific threats or details regarding the alleged security concerns.
The controversy surrounding Tabassum’s speech arises in part due to her previous social media activity, including sharing a link on her Instagram bio critical of Zionism and supportive of Palestinian rights. Despite USC maintaining Tabassum’s valedictorian status, the decision to cancel her speech draws criticism from various quarters. Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles, condemns the move as capitulating to hate and censorship.
Supporters, including the USC Palestine Justice Faculty Group and Jewish Voice for Peace USC, call for the university to reverse its decision and reinstate Tabassum’s speaking privileges. In response, USC reiterates that the decision was solely based on safety concerns and the imperative to maintain campus security. Nevertheless, Tabassum and her supporters remain skeptical, urging the university to reconsider its stance.
Despite the setback, Tabassum remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for justice and human rights. She calls on her fellow classmates to embrace compassion and strive for a world where equality and dignity prevail for all individuals. As the Class of 2024 prepares to graduate, the decision to deny Tabassum the opportunity to deliver her commencement speech sparks a broader conversation about free speech, campus safety, and the responsibilities of universities in safeguarding their students’ rights and voices.
The university’s decision to deny Tabassum the chance to speak at commencement has elicited strong reactions from various quarters, with some viewing it as a necessary precaution to ensure safety, while others see it as an infringement on free speech and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. Tabassum’s supporters continue to advocate for her reinstatement, emphasizing the importance of allowing her to share her message with her peers and the broader community.
In light of the ongoing debate surrounding Tabassum’s speech, the university finds itself at the center of a contentious issue that raises important questions about the balance between security concerns and the protection of free speech on college campuses. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders on all sides continue to voice their opinions, underscoring the complex and nuanced nature of the challenges facing universities in today’s polarized and interconnected world.