Asna Tabassum, the valedictorian at the University of Southern California, has recently faced controversy and backlash after school administrators deemed it too dangerous for her to speak at the schoolwide commencement ceremony due to criticism from pro-Israel groups. Despite this, she received her degree to cheers and applause at her graduation ceremony. In just a few weeks, she has become a symbol of free speech and a voice for the Palestinian cause on a national level, gaining both critics and supporters. She has also been the subject of protests and demonstrations on campus, with some resulting in arrests.
The decision to cancel Ms. Tabassum’s speech prompted protests and backlash from students and academics who felt she was unfairly treated. The first protest was met with a crackdown ordered by school president, Carol Folt, leading to 93 arrests by the Los Angeles Police Department. However, subsequent protests were allowed to continue, signaling a softening of the university’s approach. Despite the controversy, the engineering graduation ceremony at U.S.C. on Friday proceeded without any disruptions or visible signs of protest, aside from a few students wearing pro-Palestinian symbols.
The dean of the engineering school addressed the students, acknowledging the global turmoil and unrest that has been affecting campuses across the nation. He praised the students for their dignity, moral compass, and grace in the face of difficult circumstances. While the atmosphere at the ceremony was relatively calm, security measures were still in place, with warnings posted around the campus about potential disruptions. Ms. Tabassum did not give a speech at the engineering ceremony and maintained a low profile, declining to speak with reporters after the event.
Despite the challenges and criticisms she has faced, Ms. Tabassum has remained resilient and focused on her academic achievements. The student newspaper published the speech she had prepared, with most of the content blacked out except for brief congratulations and thanks. While she continues to be a controversial figure, she is also seen as a symbol of free speech and activism for the Palestinian cause. The events at U.S.C. reflect a larger trend of political and social tensions affecting universities across the country, with students and faculty engaging in protests and demonstrations during graduation ceremonies.
