Why #USC canceled its pro-Palestinian valedictorian (Vox, 2024-04-18)
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“The provost explained in the email that the decision ‘has nothing to do with freedom of speech’ and made no mention of [valedictorian] Tabassum’s political views. His email did not state whether USC had already received specific threats of violence or disruption.”
“Pro-Israel groups are celebrating USC’s decision, claiming that Tabassum’s speech, which she said she had not yet written, could have made Jewish students feel uncomfortable.”
"What would have happened? The pro-Israel groups that opposed her appearance would have continued to criticize the invitation. Students and alumni on different sides of the issues would have challenged or supported the decision. Then, on graduation day, Tabassum would have spoken. Some students would cheer, others might have gotten up and walked out, or chosen a different way to protest whatever she might have said.
from #CommonDreams
'My Own University... Has Abandoned Me': #USC Cancels Muslim Valedictorian's Speech
"I am both shocked by this decision and profoundly disappointed that the university is succumbing to a campaign of hate meant to silence my voice," student #AsnaTabassum said in a statement.
“Guzman picked this year's valedictorian from a pool of about 100 eligible applicants and examined several factors, excluding social media presence, he said.”
So the implication of that statement being… you would have rejected her for her political beliefs earlier but it wasn’t an included factor to consider?
Statement by #USCAAUP on the #USC administration's decision to cancel 2024 valedictorian Tabassum's commencement speech:
"By casting aside the achievements and USC’s own recognition of such an acclaimed student, the USC administration does not merely create a chilling effect on the academic freedom of the entire USC community. It actively strangles it."
Since there have been a lot of baseless accusations and insinuations regarding this student's social media posting, a read for anyone who's interested: