Close Menu
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Celebrity Kids
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo
GistFestGistFest
  • Entertainment

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Relationships

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Celebrity Kids

    Brody Jenner Ties the Knot With Tia Blanco in Dreamy Malibu Ceremony — See the Intimate Moments

    July 17, 2025

    Madison LeCroy Welcomes Baby No. 2 — the Heartwarming Story Behind the Name

    July 9, 2025

    Ariana Zolciak Supports Kim Zolciak and Siblings Amid Ongoing Money Issues

    July 7, 2025

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025
Subscribe
GistFestGistFest
Home » USC Valedictorian Will No Longer Give Graduation Speech Over “Substantial Risks Relating to Security”
General

USC Valedictorian Will No Longer Give Graduation Speech Over “Substantial Risks Relating to Security”

KharisBy KharisApril 26, 20243 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
University of Southern California
Source: Pinterest
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
University of Southern California
Source: Pinterest

The University of Southern California (USC) has decided to cancel its valedictorian’s speech because of some safety worries because of online conversations about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Originally, Asna Tabassum, a student from Chino Hills, California, was supposed to give the valedictory speech with two others. But then, USC announced Tabassum’s absence from the ceremony because of some situations that have been getting worse because of her selection.

Provost Andrew Guzman emphasized the necessity of this decision, citing the potential security risks stemming from heightened emotions on social media and the conflict in the Middle East. He stressed the university’s obligation to ensure campus safety, especially considering past incidents at other institutions.

“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,” Provost Andrew Guzman said in a statement.

ALSO READ: Black Doctor Slams Claims That Systemic Racism Influences Black People’s Health

He went on to say that “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.’’

Tabassum responded to USC’s move, she said that she is very disappointed in what has just happened. She spoke against the racist backlash she has faced only because she spoke about her support for human rights. She said that in a statement that she released through the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Los Angeles.

“Although this should have been a time of celebration for my family, friends, professors, and classmates, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices have subjected me to a campaign of racist hatred because of my uncompromising belief in human rights for all,” Tabassum said.

POLL—Should Public Schools Include Critical Race Theory and Sex Education in Their Curriculum?

The council said the school’s decision empowers voices of hate, violates its obligation to project students and “sends a terrible message to not only Muslim students at USC but all students who dare to express support for Palestinian humanity.” It’s also urging the community to demand the school to allow Tassabum to speak at graduation.

Critics also argue that USC’s decision promotes hatred and fails to uphold its responsibility to protect students. Groups like “Trojans For Israel” voiced opposition to Tabassum’s involvement, claiming it created an unwelcoming environment for Jewish graduates.

The controversy comes amid global attention on the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has sparked debates and demonstrations since a brutal attack in 2023. The ongoing crisis has claimed thousands of lives and exacerbated humanitarian concerns in the Gaza region.

ALSO READ: Molly Sims Recounts Starving Herself After Someone Called Her “Too Fat” During Modeling Days

As discussions continue, the USC community continues with questions on free speech, inclusivity, and campus safety, which shows the complexities of navigating controversial issues in universities.

You Might Also Like:

Jimmy Kimmel Fires Back at Donald Trump’s Rant With Prison Reminder

Oklahoma Officials Ban Trans Pro Wrestler From Competing in the State

“Woke” Hollywood Gets Another Disappointing Box Office Return

North Carolina High School Suspends Student for Using the Term “Illegal Alien”

Ohio GOP Officials Refuse Democrats’ Plan to Put President Joe Biden on November Ballot

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleAmusement Parks in the US That Have Free Entry
Next Article Guest Pastor Kicked Off Stage at Christian Conference for Calling Transgenders Demons

Related Posts

Entertainment

“Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

July 31, 2025
Entertainment

Slasher Nostalgia: I Know What You Did Last Summer Legacy Sequel

July 24, 2025
General

Rihanna’s Pregnancy Update: A$AP Rocky Hints at Baby’s Sex

July 4, 2025
Latest Posts

“Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

July 31, 2025

From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

July 30, 2025

Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

July 29, 2025

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

July 28, 2025

Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

July 25, 2025

Slasher Nostalgia: I Know What You Did Last Summer Legacy Sequel

July 24, 2025

Pride & Prejudice Returns to Theaters in India for 20th Anniversary—Don’t Miss the Iconic Love Story

July 23, 2025

More Than a Hero: How Superman’s Box Office Success Is Giving Hollywood a New Blueprint

July 22, 2025
About
About

We’re a news, entertainment and lifestyle hub that is dedicated to giving you quality insight on the latest lifestyle news, movie and TV news, celebrity news and lots more.

Contact us: info@gistfest.com

MOST POPULAR

Alina Nikitina: Everything We Know About the Russian Model

October 4, 2023

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing: All You Need To Know

July 21, 2023

Jennifer Rauchet: Inside the Life of Pete Hegseth’s Wife

August 30, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
© 2025 GistFest. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.