The University of Southern California (USC) is under fire after it revoked the right of its pro-Palestinian valedictorian to speak at graduation, revealing what critics say is a free speech double standard and kicking off what’s expected to be a controversial year for commencement addresses. The school told Asna Tabassum she could not speak at…
In 2022, at the University of Southern California commencement, valedictorian Adam Karelin delivered a stirring poem against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2021, valedictorian Tianna Shaw Wakeman spoke of living in a world rife with racial injustice. In 2020, valedictorian Isabella Hauptman spoke about COVID, which we seem to remember was a bit political. In 2019, valedictorian Ivana Giang .
USC students, faculty and pro-Palestinian activists gathered on campus Thursday to push back against what they called 'institutional silencing' of valedictorian Asna Tabassum.