The University of Southern California has made another significant change to its commencement plans by canceling filmmaker Jon M. Chu’s keynote speech, just days after disallowing the student valedictorian from speaking at the ceremony. The cancelation of valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech was due to safety concerns, as she expressed support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to an “alarming” response from the public. This decision was met with both praise from pro-Israel organizations and condemnation from free speech groups and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
In response to the controversy surrounding the commencement program, USC officials have announced plans to “redesign” the entire event and release outside speakers and honorees. More than 65,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony, including 19,000 graduates. Tabassum, in a statement, decried the racist hatred she has faced due to her beliefs, highlighting the challenging landscape for colleges to uphold free speech and open debate, especially in light of recent events at Columbia University where anti-Israel protesters were arrested and suspended. The university is still identifying students involved in the protests and plans to issue further suspensions.