USC cancels valedictorian's speech after social media criticism of Zionism, citing safety concerns

The University of Southern California has canceled a valedictory speech due to security concerns after the valedictorian attracted online controversy with a social media post criticizing Zionism.

Asna Tabassum, who is Muslim, linked on her social media to a site which characterized Zionism as a "racist settler-colonial ideology that advocates for a Jewish ethnostate built on Palestinian land," according to ABC News. The University cited fears for her safety in announcing the speech's cancellation.

"After careful consideration, we have decided that our student valedictorian will not deliver a speech at commencement," said Provost Andrew Guzman. "While this is disappointing, tradition must give way to safety."

"The intensity of feelings, fueled by both social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to include many voices outside of USC and has escalated to the point of creating substantial risks relating to security and disruption at commencement," he added. "This decision is not only necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students, but is consistent with the fundamental legal obligation – including the expectations of federal regulators – that universities act to protect students and keep our campus community safe."

Israel is currently fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip in a conflict that has spread into neighboring nations, including Syria and Lebanon. Over the weekend, Iran launched an unprecedented direct strike on the Jewish state and Israeli plans to respond remain somewhat unclear.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attracted international scrutiny during the invasion of the densely populated area over the reported civilian death toll, with even President Joe Biden criticizing Jerusalem's conduct as "over the top."

Tabassum, for her part, said that "USC is only caving to fear and rewarding hatred" and that "I was hoping to use my commencement speech to inspire my classmates with a message of hope."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.