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USC Bars Outside Speakers, Cancels Valedictorian Speech Over Antisemitic Posts

Apr 20, 2024, 01:30 AM

The University of Southern California (USC) is facing significant backlash after deciding to cancel the commencement speech of valedictorian Asna Tabassum, a Muslim student, due to her antisemitic social media posts. The decision has led to widespread protests on campus, with students and faculty, including 130 who signed a letter, demanding that the university allow Tabassum to speak. In response to the controversy, USC, under President Carol Folt, announced that it would not have any outside speakers or honorees at this year's commencement ceremony, including previously scheduled speakers such as filmmaker Jon M. Chu and tennis star Billie Jean King. The university cited the need to focus on graduates and maintain security as reasons for their decision.