Unpacking the controversy over USC’s valedictorian speech
Images: David Sprague | USC
This week, the University of Southern California canceled the commencement speech of its valedictorian, a Muslim student who has promoted controversial pro-Palestinian social media content, citing risks related to security.
Asna Tabassum, a biomedical engineering major, was selected as USC’s 2024 valedictorian out of ~100 qualifying students two weeks ago – an honor that involves delivering a speech at the commencement ceremony in May.
But since her selection, pro-Israel groups and social-media accounts – both on campus and from outside USC – have urged the university to reconsider.
- They say Tabassum promoted antisemitic views by liking, engaging with, and linking to anti-Israel content, including a site that references Palestinian liberation and the abolishment of the state of Israel.
According to USC, the feedback has escalated to the point of “creating substantial risks.” The school said its decision to cancel Tabassum’s commencement address stemmed from security concerns based on electronic communications warning of a plan to disrupt the commencement, including at least one that targeted Tabassum.
- USC declined to give further details about the communications, including whether they’re under criminal investigation.
- A school spokesperson said Tabassum’s viewpoint and background didn’t influence the decision, and noted that free speech laws don’t apply to commencement speeches.
Yes, but… Many free speech experts and advocates argue that USC and other universities should resist canceling events that could be perceived as censorship – especially one as high-profile as a commencement speech – without being transparent and specifying the security concerns. They also express concern about other schools buckling to online pressure and canceling speeches.
Zoom out: Tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war have intensified on college campuses since last October. Many Jewish students and alumni say pro-Palestinian student protests often veer into antisemitism, while many protesters say the pushback is an attempt to censor their political beliefs.
đź“Š Flash poll: In your opinion, should Asna Tabassum be allowed to give her valedictorian commencement address?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that silencing Tabassum is a sad statement about USC’s priorities, and sends a message to graduating seniors that when a threat to free speech arrives, it’s time to cave.
- Others contend that USC is using a faulty standard to exclude Tabassum from speaking, whereby if enough people get angry enough about anyone set to speak anywhere on campus, the heckler’s veto will carry the day.
- “USC was wrong to silence its valedictorian” –LA Times Editorial Board
- “A commencement speech unspoken: USC valedictorian Asna Tabassum earned the right to speak” –NY Daily News Editorial Board
- “USC got it wrong in canceling valedictorian’s speech. Here’s what the school should do now” –David N. Myers and Salam Al-Marayati, LA Times
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that many Palestinian supporters on college campuses have perpetuated the spread of antisemitism, and that schools and federal officials should act to stop it.
- Others contend that swift action is necessary to stop the recent spread of antisemitism in college campuses across the country, and that without it nothing will substantially change, and Jewish student will continue to be targeted and harassed.
- “Why the Education Department Won’t Do Anything about Campus Antisemitism” –George Leef, National Review
- “Talk isn’t enough – fighting antisemitism takes action” –Boston Herald Editorial Board
- “Rampaging DEI and rampant antisemitism show the rot at US colleges” –NY Post Editorial Board
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