USC cancels all commencement speakers, honorary degree ceremonies after valedictorian backlash

The University of Southern California (USC) canceled all of its commencement speakers and honorary degree ceremonies on Friday, after it faced heavy backlash from canceling its valedictorian’s speech over security concerns.

The university pulled valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech on Monday, after Tabassum posted pro-Palestinian content on social media. The university claimed the cancellation was solely out of concern for Tabassum’s safety, and was not meant to silence her or as a punishment.

The campus said on Friday that it was restructuring its commencement, and would not include a planned speech from USC alumnus Jon M. Chu, who directed "Crazy Rich Asians,” or feature other honorary degree guests like tennis icon Billie Jean King, head of the National Endowment for the Arts Maria Rosario Jackson, and National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt.

"Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year's ceremony," school officials wrote, per KABC. "We've been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies."

USC said it wanted the focus of the graduation ceremony to remain on its 19,000 graduates, their friends and family, and the university’s staff that helped make the school-year a success, according to ABC News.

The university will still hold its main-stage ceremony on May 10, along with five celebration events, 38 satellite ceremonies, and 65 receptions. The school is expecting a crowd of 65,000 people to attend the main ceremony.