The University of Southern California made headlines this week as it announced major changes to its upcoming commencement program in the wake of a controversy surrounding its valedictorian selection.
The private university in Los Angeles revealed that it would be eliminating outside speakers and honorees from its main commencement program, including director Jon M. Chu of “Crazy Rich Asians” fame and tennis star Billie Jean King. This decision came after the university faced backlash for not allowing valedictorian Asna Tabassum, a first-generation Muslim student, to deliver a commencement address on May 10.
The controversy stemmed from objections raised by campus Jewish organizations over a pro-Palestinian social media link shared by Ms. Tabassum, who is of South Asian ancestry. The university cited security concerns as the reason for canceling her speech, but Ms. Tabassum expressed shock and disappointment at the decision, questioning the school’s true motivations.
Following the cancellation of her speech, the administration faced protests calling for Ms. Tabassum’s reinstatement as a speaker. The university’s announcement on Friday came after inquiries from The New York Times about whether Jon M. Chu would withdraw as the graduation speaker. By the end of the day, the university had removed his name and photo from its commencement website, along with other speakers, stating that they were “being released.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California is now looking into the possibility of representing Ms. Tabassum in a lawsuit against the university, citing the California statute known as the Leonard Law, which protects free speech rights at both private and public colleges in the state.
An A.C.L.U. lawyer in Los Angeles, Mohammad Tajsar, criticized the university’s decision, stating that U.S.C. should be able to handle the event with its private security apparatus, especially considering the high-profile speakers it has hosted in the past.
The situation at the University of Southern California continues to unfold as students, faculty, and outside observers weigh in on the controversy surrounding the valedictorian selection and the university’s response.
