The University of Southern California (USC) has made the decision to cancel its main graduation ceremony following backlash over its refusal to allow its valedictorian, who supports Palestine, to deliver a speech.
The university stated on Thursday that the main graduation ceremony, which typically accommodates 65,000 people, will not take place due to new safety measures.
Due to the new safety measures, processing the large number of guests coming to campus will take more time. Consequently, the traditional main stage ceremony, which draws 65,000 students, families, and friends to the campus simultaneously within a short time frame from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., will not be feasible.
The cancellation follows the university's decision to prevent valedictorian Asna Tabassum from delivering a speech citing “safety concerns,” prompted by criticism over her social media posts.
Tabassum had a link on her social media to a site advocating for the complete dismantling of Israel and stating that Zionism is a discriminatory settler-colonial ideology promoting a Jewish state on Palestinian land.
Certain groups, including USC’s Trojans for Israel, labeled Tabassum as antisemitic and opposed her speaking. The university cancelled her speech due to safety reasons, without specifying any specific threats.
The development comes as numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrations are taking place at universities across the country, and supporters anticipate a contentious year for graduation speeches.
USC arrested multiple students on Wednesday night who were protesting in support of Palestine, prompting the closure of the campus.
“The protest on the [University Park Campus] has ended,” the safety department alert stated. “However, the campus will remain closed until further notice. Only individuals with proper identification may enter for campus-related activities.”
USC stated on Thursday that it will still hold graduation events, which include the traditional individual school commencement ceremonies where students walk across the stage, have their names announced, take photos, and receive their diplomas.
“We understand that this is disappointing; however, we are adding many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and distinctly USC, including opportunities to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the symbolic release of doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band,” the university stated.
