USC Cancels Speech by Pro-Palestinian Valedictorian Asna Tabassum
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Published 2024-04-18
Amid widespread repression of pro-Palestinian voices on campuses across the United States, we speak to University of Southern California valedictorian Asna Tabassum, whose commencement speech has been canceled for what the university claimed were "safety" reasons after Tabassum became the subject of an online anti-Palestinian hate campaign led by pro-Israel groups. "When I had asked for details regarding the security concerns," says Tabassum of learning about the cancellation, "I was offered no information and was told it was not appropriate for me to know." Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian American Muslim graduating with a major in biomedical engineering and a minor in resistance to genocide, says the unprecedented cancellation of her speech has been "heartbreaking."
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All Comments (21)
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This woman ended up with a much bigger platform thanks to this decision. She’s going to do amazing things for the world, too. That’s so clear from what she has to say.
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Asna should write her speech and present it on social media. It may not be the same as giving it at graduation, but her message will be heard.
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I am not Muslim. I am not Jewish. I am not Christian. Give Asna her speech.
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My son has decided not to attend USC after what happened. Asna, you are what America was meant to be. I am proud of you... Sadly, we have realized that AIPAC has influenced and changed America, its leaders, and its institutions of higher learning.
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What an impressive and intelligent young woman - the world needs more of those like her.
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She is brave to come forward. More people have heard her stance now on Palestine compared to if she was just allowed to speak at the graduation ceremony. Keep speaking out Asna.
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I don't have heroes , anymore , but , if I did, this young woman would be one. I support her, fully.💯
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What a world we live in now. Wow. Such an eloquent young woman who is now being deprived of what's she's earned.
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Asna a is very intillegent and deserving to be valedictorian and have right to her valedictorian speech
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Her smile is infectious. She is bright and intelligent and has earned her right to speak. Shame on USC.
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What a well spoken and intelligent individual. USC (and the LAPD) should be ashamed.
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She’s very well-spoken. I can see why she was selected to be valedictorian.
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Protect Asna Tabassum at all costs.
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No apartheid has a right to exist, period.
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I was made to believe America is a free world.
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SHAME on USC. What a joke university.
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I believe USC made a horrible decision to cancel the class 2024 valedictorian speech. USC has lost its morality. Their rationale for canceling her speech seem bogus. Students must protest against this oppression of its fellow student.
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I hope everyone gives this girl a platform to make that speech.
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They made her famous. They gave her more audience. She spoke everywhere and on every plateau, and she demonstrated how intelligent, beautiful, smart, well articulated she is. The whole country and everywhere in the world, people are listening to her instead of being solely speaking to this university. Her university now has no limits. The mediocre must be biting their fingers. They don’t control anymore the media and they can’t silent the beautiful voices of freedom and truth, and love. Their hate consumes only them.
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Watching from Canada and I think that USC administration should be ashamed for its decision. Asna is so intelligent and deserves better. The haters are just jealous. I stand with you Ashna and don't let them stop you ✌️✊💯
