U.S.C. has canceled the valedictorian's graduation speech, Now, the celebrities have also been excluded

 

U.S.C. has cut the valedictorian's graduation speech, resulting in the removal of celebrities like Jon M. Chu and Billie Jean King from the commencement program.

The University of Southern California made this decision in response to controversy surrounding the valedictorian selection process. As a result, outside speakers and honorees, including Jon M. Chu and Billie Jean King, will not participate in the main commencement program.

The controversy arose when it was announced that Asna Tabassum, a first-generation Muslim student, would not deliver the commencement address as originally planned. This decision followed objections from campus Jewish organizations due to a pro-Palestinian social media link shared by Ms. Tabassum.

Although the university cited security concerns for canceling the speech, Ms. Tabassum was taken aback and deeply disheartened by the decision. She questioned whether the decision was solely based on safety concerns.

In response to the cancellation, there have been protests calling for Ms. Tabassum's reinstatement as a speaker.

The announcement by U.S.C. to eliminate outside speakers and honorees came after inquiries from The New York Times about Jon M. Chu's potential withdrawal as the graduation speaker. The university subsequently removed his name and photo from its commencement website and announced the release of all outside speakers and honorees from attending this year's ceremony.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California is considering representing Ms. Tabassum in a lawsuit against the university, citing the Leonard Law that protects free speech in California colleges. A.C.L.U. lawyer Mohammad Tajsar emphasized that U.S.C. should be able to handle security concerns given its experience hosting various speakers at past events.