Valedictorian Will Not Speak at USC Graduation

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Published 2024-04-17
The valedictorian of the University of Southern California class of 2024 won’t be giving a speech at graduation. The school’s provost wrote that rescinding the invitation to speak was, “necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students.” Asna Tabassum will graduate top of her class with a major in biomedical engineering and an interdisciplinary minor in resistance to genocide. Tabassum is clear in her support for Palestinian people, and asserts that she is not antisemitic.
All Comments (21)
  • @soph1645
    A country more worried about protecting a foreign country than their own citizens😂
  • @andyhughes1776
    She should film herself delivering the speech then post it online for all to see.
  • @techwizard3651
    It’s not about protecting the students it’s about protecting their wallets
  • @Wesley-eu7rn
    Invite all students to hear her speak at a park or other venue near campus. They can't control that.
  • @sandrajones1609
    My son was a validictorian. It is criminal to silence the voice of the future especially when speaking to peers. I have Never seen such insanity. My son was an exchange student to japan in the 90s and I am still in awe of his aspirations and accomplishments. To deny the exchange of ideas is criminal and not to be tolerated in a free society ✌️🇺🇸
  • @severtone263
    The irony of all this stifling of her rights is that she now has a platform way larger than USC to say her speech in some way, shape or form.
  • @ebyim
    So what she is saying is that the link she put on her instagram bio does NOT represent her beliefs??? What a contradiction.
  • @blue_moon6490
    Graduation is not about HER politics. Graduation is about the entire graduating class.
  • @frankt9156
    Stop saying free speech. She can still say it on the street or any public place she chooses.
  • @001HK0
    Misleading headline and byline. "Valedictorian Prevented from Speaking at USC Graduation" - fixed it for you.
  • @khannaborukhov8346
    No one is taking away her First Amendment right. She can speak her mind anywhere. However, the graduation ceremony is not the place for political statements this girl is prepared to make. Something tells me she is not going to send a positive message to fellow graduates and the school.
  • @brimmed
    i didn't even know valedictorian's speak at college graduation. is that a normal thing? i remember seeing it at my hs graduation but not at college graduation
  • @fuqinpan6334
    It is because she is targeted for supporting the Palestinian from genocide.
  • @CarolineMosesComedy
    I get it if they don't want to get political at the valedictorian speech. They can say, "hey, please don't make any political statements at graduation," but not letting her speak at all is too far, unless she is refusing to not talk about politics during the speech.