Amid the cancellation of this year’s valedictorian speech, the University of Southern California has announced the removal of all external speakers and honorees from its main-stage commencement event next month. In a memo issued on Friday, the university stated, “To maintain the focus on our graduates, we are revising the commencement program.
Given the widely publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage event, university leadership has opted to release our external speakers and honorees from participating in this year’s ceremony.” Among the scheduled keynote speakers were USC alumnus and filmmaker Jon M. Chu, known for directing “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Wicked,” as well as sports icon Billie Jean King.
Asna Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian-American Muslim, was slated to deliver a commencement speech on May 10. However, school administrators opted to cancel her speech, citing safety concerns.
USC cited potential threats linked to the valedictorian selection as a factor in the decision. “After thorough deliberation, we have concluded that our student valedictorian will not present a speech at commencement,” noted Andrew T. Guzman, USC’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, in a letter to students on Monday. “While it’s disappointing, prioritizing safety must come before tradition. “The college senior discussed the situation with on Wednesday.
“The valedictorian honor is ultimately a unifying honor, right? It’s emblematic of USC’s unifying values. And I think I take that to heart,” she expressed.
“Speaking to Lipof, Tabassum expressed her desire for her speech to embody the valedictory genre, intending to convey messages of hope and responsibility. USC, anticipating a crowd of 65,000 for the commencement festivities on May 10, stressed the importance of highlighting the remarkable achievements of over 19,000 graduates, alongside their friends, families, and the staff and faculty who have played crucial roles in their journeys.”