University of Southern California said Asna Tabassum, valedictorian for the class of 2024, will not be allowed to make a speech, citing 'security' concerns

The University of Southern California has cancelled a scheduled commencement speech by Asna Tabassum, citing unnamed security concerns after her selection as valedictorian was met with a wave of online attacks directed at her pro-Palestinian views.

“I am not surprised by those who attempt to propagate hatred. I am surprised that my own university - my home for four years - has abandoned me,” Tabassum said in a statement shared online.

On 6 April, USC announced that Tabassum was selected as valedictorian, a student with the highest academic achievements in her year, for the graduating class of 2024.

After the announcement was published on social media, Tabassum began receiving online attacks from an account named, “We Are Tov”, a group that describes itself as “dedicated to combating antisemitism”.

The university released a statement on Monday, saying that Tabassum would retain her position as valedictorian, but would not be allowed to give her commencement speech. The school said that the move was made to maintain safety on campus.

  • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOP
    327·
    7 months ago

    The school did nothing to stop the online hate campaign against her. They just censored her from speaking. I don’t see how this is supposed to provide anyone with safety. It’s just an excuse they use to censor her.

    • gregorum@lemm.eeEnglish
      624·
      7 months ago

      how is the school supposed to control the internet?

      and the student can still speak, just not at a school-hosted event that puts possibly thousands of people at risk. you’re acting like the school put a gag around her mouth. they didn’t.

      • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOP
        187·
        7 months ago

        How is censoring this student from giving a speech “providing a secure environment”? Using safety as an excuse for censorship is very common. Especially in the case for israel.

        If this student was truly a target she would need to get a bodyguard 24/7. Not her speech cancelled.

        • gregorum@lemm.eeEnglish
          124·
          7 months ago

          ahem, i repeat:

          and the student can still speak, just not at a school-hosted event that puts possibly thousands of people at risk. you’re acting like the school put a gag around her mouth. they didn’t.

          • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOP
            146·
            7 months ago

            How exactly are thousands of people put at risk? Is israel going to drone strike the event?

            you’re acting like the school put a gag around her mouth. they didn’t.

            The school very much censored her speech which she has won the right to give.

            On 6 April, USC announced that Tabassum was selected as valedictorian, a student with the highest academic achievements in her year, for the graduating class of 2024.

            This is a comment from the student herself refuting these vague “safety concerns”:

                • EatATaco@lemm.eeEnglish
                  51·
                  7 months ago

                  It’s a projection. The poster’s ever shifting excuse as to why this okay, when it inevitably falls apart, is always met with some kind of empty accusation about it’s faults (false dichotomy, false equivalency, and now, you’re trolling).