April 17th 2024.
The recent news from CNN has caused quite a stir at the University of Southern California. The graduation speech of their Muslim valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, was cancelled due to safety concerns. This comes at a time when tensions between Israel and the West Bank are high and has sparked a lot of discussion both on and off campus.
In a statement released on April 15, USC's Provost Andrew Guzman explained the reasoning behind the decision. He expressed concern over the intensity of the feelings surrounding the selection of the valedictorian, fueled by social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Guzman also mentioned the risks of potential harassment and violence, which have been seen on other campuses in similar situations.
After careful consideration, the university has decided to prioritize the safety of its students and campus community over tradition. As a result, Tabassum will not be delivering her speech at the commencement ceremony. This decision not only aligns with their legal obligations to protect students, but also with the expectations of federal regulators.
The news of Tabassum's cancelled speech has sparked criticism from those who believe her voice is being stifled and her rights are being denied. In response, Tabassum shared a different perspective with the Council of Islamic-American Relations. She revealed that the university had previously assured her of the necessary resources to ensure the safety of graduates during the ceremony. However, the sudden change in decision was due to the influence of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian sentiments.
In a statement, Tabassum expressed her honor at being selected as the USC Class of 2024 Valedictorian and her disappointment at the turn of events. She shared that her unwavering belief in human rights for all has made her the target of racist hatred. She also revealed feeling abandoned by her alma mater, which was once her home for four years.
Tabassum doubts that USC's decision was solely based on safety concerns and hopes that they will reconsider before the May 10 event. As someone who minored in resistance to genocide, she is determined to use her voice to bring attention to important issues and inspire change.
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