The University of Southern California (USC) has stirred controversy after canceling the valedictorian speech of a Muslim student, citing campus safety concerns over her support of Palestine amidst the ongoing conflict abroad whilst also facing backlash from Jewish student groups at the university.
Asna Tabassum, a standout student and the valedictorian of USC’s graduating class, had her speech abruptly pulled from the lineup just days before the commencement ceremony. The decision came after concerns were raised about Tabassum’s past social media posts which signaled support for Palestinians, which said posts dating as far back as five years garnered recent scrutiny from various Jewish student groups.
In a statement released by USC, the university expressed regret for the cancellation but emphasized the paramount importance of student safety. The decision was made after careful consideration of the potential risks associated with tensions from both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups and supporters. “We fully support our students’ academic pursuits and engagements with global issues. However, given the current situation in the region and concerns raised regarding safety, we made the difficult decision to cancel Ms. Tabassum’s valedictorian speech,” said the university spokesperson.
Tabassum’s perspective as a Muslim harboring the nuance of the decades-long conflict between Palestine and Israel has become a topic of toxicity as of late, with pro-Israel groups and pundits often labeling these sorts of perspectives which aren’t steadfastly aligned with Israeli interests as being antisemitic. Nonetheless, she had planned to incorporate her experiences into her valedictorian address, highlighting the importance of understanding different perspectives and promoting peace.
“I am deeply disappointed by USC’s decision to cancel my speech,” Tabassum stated. “My intention was to shed light on the complexities of the region and advocate for dialogue and understanding. It’s disheartening that my voice has been silenced due to safety concerns.”
The cancellation has sparked debate within the USC community, with some expressing support for the university’s decision to prioritize safety, while others criticize the move as a suppression of free speech and academic freedom.
“We understand the university’s obligation to ensure the safety of its students, but this sets a troubling precedent,” said a fellow student, who wished to remain anonymous, “As scholars, we should be able to engage with challenging topics without fear of censorship.”
Tabassum’s case has reignited discussions about academic freedom, student safety, and the complexities of navigating controversial topics in higher education. It remains to be seen how USC will address the aftermath of the decision and its implications for future discourse on campus.
Kacy Benefield is an accomplished historian who challenges not just what is being taught but those who are teaching it. Born in Los Angeles, California, a loving son, brother, husband and father who does not make the news but only reports the truth. Benefield is also the co-host of the show Better Benefield.
USC made a hard call, there are no easy answers considering the concerns we see looming all around us. What would I have done in their place? I truly don’t know, but I pray good comes from this. Why should any student need to be concerned about their dainty? Well written article, thank you🙏🏿
My only problem is USC never heard the speech. Had it been inflammatory in any way, shape or form then you have to protect the school, faculty and students. Not knowing what would be said by this young woman is my problem. What if she was calling for peace? The voice that was silenced could have helped. I share your same sentiments I pray something good comes out of this as well. Thank you for your comments and support.
Honestly, this is not acceptable. If they were going to stop her from presenting (which is a problem in itself that they would), they should have done that months prior so she didn’t spend all that time preparing for the speech….
Sometimes we as humans do too much trying to eliminate potential outcomes instead of analyzing the reality of what is actually happening.
To silence the voice of a Valedictorian, makes a statement that they may not want to make to the students. Especially for the reasons given…
First thank you for a very insightful response. I agree with you on several points. Was the decision made due to the the escalating circumstances in the Gaza-Isreal conflict? Why would her religious beliefs or ethnic background play a part in that decision? And lastly since we never heard the speech what makes USC believe there would be safety concerns? Did they anticipate her speaking out against Israel? What if her speech was the call for peace we all are seaking. Silencing anyone does not even allow for a healthy debate. Without differing opinions as a society we cannot grow. Thank you for your continued support.
The dilemma seems to be protecting and advocating for one while avoiding the disenfranchisement another. This beautiful article aims at the heart of the matter. Silencing the voice of Tabassum propagates the issue at its core because it sends a clear soft power message who’s interest the governing officials of the institution is aligned with. For as long as the conflict has raged, we in the United States have had in-numerous jargon about the suffering of the Zionist Jews and their right to exist as a state with relatively no collateral information that equals the Palestinian people and their right. Thankfully with access to historic and current events. The burden lies on each individual to have a rational disposition on the matter by casting aside the propaganda, which is likely from people who primarily seek financial gain, rather than the well being of people who are created in the image of God. So, a way can be paved for them to have an exposure to the good news.