The University of Southern California is removing outside speakers and awards from next month’s graduation ceremony following a controversial decision to ban the university’s valedictorian from delivering her commencement speech.
“To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program,” USC said in a statement Friday afternoon.
The administration has named “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu as commencement speaker for the Class of 2024, according to a recently removed page from the university’s website.
“Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main phase commencement program, university leadership has determined it is best to dismiss our external speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony,” the school said. “It is important that our full attention is on our remarkable graduates. We will celebrate their achievements in a way that reflects the unity we love so much in our Trojan family.”
The change comes after the university canceled valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s ceremonial speech due to security concerns. She has been criticized for her views on the Middle East conflict and for social media that her opponents say promoted “anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric.”
“I make no apologies for the link I posted on my Instagram. What I am saying is that I am committed to human rights. And I am committed to human rights for all people,” said Tabassum after the cancellation. “For example, a large part of the campaign against me was claiming that I don’t value the lives of Jews. That’s simply not true.”
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The ban angered many students. Hundreds gathered next to the university’s Tommy Trojan statue on Thursday afternoon to protest the administration’s decision.
“One of the most talented girls I have ever met,” said student Kaiser Kuresi. “This university is trying to silence her.”
In a statement, USC said the decision had nothing to do with Tabassum’s background or views.
“University leadership made this decision in close consultation with our team at the Department of Public Safety and Threats,” USC said in a statement. “The decision had nothing to do with the background or position of the valedictorian, but was instead based on a careful and holistic assessment of the situation from a safety and security perspective.”
USC senior Mark Rayant said he wanted the university to apologize for initially choosing Tabassum.
“My main point of contention is the fact that the university would select someone who is so outspoken at this time on such a controversial, inflammatory and polarizing issue,” Rayant said.
He also wrote Tabassum a letter after the announcement, hoping to have a conversation.
“To try to give her some perspective, I think she may be lacking because it’s such a highly polarized and politicized issue,” he said.
A Change.org petition demanding Tabassum be allowed to speak at commencement has collected thousands of signatures. More than fifty student organizations also signed a letter in support of Tabassum, which argued that USC was falling prey to hatred.
“I am as committed to the lives of Jews as I am to Muslims or Christians, or to any other form of identity,” Tabassum said earlier this week.
Further details about the commencement ceremony are expected to be released next week. The ceremony will take place on May 10 at 8:30 am
Honorary degrees will be awarded at a future commencement or other academic ceremony.
Matthew Rodriguez
