USC cancels main commencement ceremony after nixing valedictorian’s speech

The University of Southern California (USC) has canceled its major graduation ceremony following criticism over its decision to cancel a pro-Palestinian valedictorian’s speech.

The school announced Thursday that the school’s graduation ceremony, normally attended by 65,000 people, would be canceled due to new safety measures.

“New safety measures introduced this year will significantly increase the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus. As a result, the main “We will no longer be able to hold stage ceremonies in the short time frame of 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.,” he said.

The cancellation comes after the school announced that valedictorian Asuna Tabassum was unable to give a speech due to “safety concerns” after people were outraged by a post she posted on social media. .

Tabassum posted a link on social media to a site calling for the “total abolition” of Israel, writing, “Zionism is a racist settler colonialism that claims a Jewish national state built on Palestinian land. It’s an ideology.”

Some groups, including the University of Southern California’s Trojan Horse for Israel, labeled Tabassum an anti-Semite and said he should not speak out. The school canceled her talk, citing safety reasons, but did not mention any specific threats.

The news comes amid numerous pro-Palestinian protests on campuses across the country, with supporters predicting a year of controversial commencement speeches.

The University of Southern California arrested dozens of students protesting on behalf of Palestine on Wednesday night and subsequently shut down the campus.

The protests against [University Park Campus] has ended,” an alert from the safety department said. “However, the campus remains closed until further notice. Students, faculty, staff, and those conducting business on campus may enter with proper identification.”

USC announced Thursday that it will continue to hold graduation events “including all traditional individual school graduation ceremonies where students cross the stage, have their names announced, have their photos taken and receive their diplomas.”

“We understand that this is disappointing. However, we are working hard to make this graduation ceremony academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely Southern California.” We’re adding many new activities and celebrations, including a gathering place with faculty and staff, a celebratory release of doves, and a performance by the Trojan Marching Band,” the school said.