Southern California University cancels Muslim valedictorian’s commencement
What was supposed to be a time of celebration for Asna Tabassum – the University of Southern California’s 2024 valedictorian
has turned to disappointment after the university denied her the chance to give a speech at commencement over security concerns.
“Over the past several days, discussion relating to the selection of our valedictorian has taken on an alarming tenor,”
The intensity of feelings, fueled by both social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to include many voices outside of USC and has escalated to
the point of creating substantial risks relating to security and disruption at commencement.”
Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian-American Muslim, would have delivered her speech at the graduation ceremony on May 10.
It’s an honor Tabassum is no stranger to: She was named valedictorian of her high school in May 2020 but due to the pandemic
“I am both shocked by this decision and profoundly disappointed that the University is succumbing to a campaign of hate meant to silence my voice
Tabassum said in an online statement she released via the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles. “I am not surprised by those who attempt to propagate hatred.