Editorial: USC was wrong to silence its valedictorian
by Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times— Asna Tabassum has a GPA of at least 3.98, with a major in the challenging field of biomedical engineering, and a record sterling enough to be picked as USC’s valedictorian from about 100 qualified candidates. For that accomplishment, this is her “reward”: having the traditional valedictory speech canceled at the May 10 commencement over concerns about maintaining "security and safety." Tabassum, who is Muslim, has voiced pro-Palestinian sentiments and has liked and linked to sites on social...
Los Angeles Times—USC students protest the 'silencing' of valedictorian with cancellation of speech. USC students, faculty and pro-Palestinian protesters responded to a call to action Thursday to fight back against what they say is the "institutional silencing" of valedictorian Asna Tabassum. "Let her speak! Let her speak!" the crowd of hundreds chanted, a few holding up signs bearing Tabassum's face. USC is barring the valedictorian from speaking at its May 10 commencement — a first in the university's 143-year history — over unspecified safety threats, Provost Andrew T. Guzman announced in a...
Slate—USC canceled its valedictorian speech: What the university got wrong.. On Monday, Andrew Guzman, the provost of the University of Southern California, sent a letter to the campus community announcing the...
MSNBC—USC Valedictorian Speaks Out After University Cancels Graduation Speech. University of Southern California valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, was barred from speaking at this year's commencement ceremony after pro-Israel groups raised concerns over her social media posts in support of Palestinians. MSNBC’s Ayman Mohyeldin speaks to Tabassum about USC’s decision and what she plans to do next.