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

    Naira Marley Attacked On Stage? Viral Benin Republic Concert Sparks Chaos & Debate

    September 12, 2025

    The Fall 2025 Movie Slate Is Massive: Blockbusters, Prestige, and Popcorn Surprises Await

    September 11, 2025

    Mr Eazi & Temi Otedola’s Triple Wedding: From Monaco to Iceland, A Love Story in Three Acts

    September 10, 2025

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engagement Is More Than Romance—It’s a Cultural Power Play

    September 9, 2025

    Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative: The Movement Shaping African Music’s Future

    September 8, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    Naira Marley Attacked On Stage? Viral Benin Republic Concert Sparks Chaos & Debate

    September 12, 2025

    The Fall 2025 Movie Slate Is Massive: Blockbusters, Prestige, and Popcorn Surprises Await

    September 11, 2025

    Mr Eazi & Temi Otedola’s Triple Wedding: From Monaco to Iceland, A Love Story in Three Acts

    September 10, 2025

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engagement Is More Than Romance—It’s a Cultural Power Play

    September 9, 2025

    Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative: The Movement Shaping African Music’s Future

    September 8, 2025
  • Relationships

    Naira Marley Attacked On Stage? Viral Benin Republic Concert Sparks Chaos & Debate

    September 12, 2025

    The Fall 2025 Movie Slate Is Massive: Blockbusters, Prestige, and Popcorn Surprises Await

    September 11, 2025

    Mr Eazi & Temi Otedola’s Triple Wedding: From Monaco to Iceland, A Love Story in Three Acts

    September 10, 2025

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engagement Is More Than Romance—It’s a Cultural Power Play

    September 9, 2025

    Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative: The Movement Shaping African Music’s Future

    September 8, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    Naira Marley Attacked On Stage? Viral Benin Republic Concert Sparks Chaos & Debate

    September 12, 2025

    The Fall 2025 Movie Slate Is Massive: Blockbusters, Prestige, and Popcorn Surprises Await

    September 11, 2025

    Mr Eazi & Temi Otedola’s Triple Wedding: From Monaco to Iceland, A Love Story in Three Acts

    September 10, 2025

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engagement Is More Than Romance—It’s a Cultural Power Play

    September 9, 2025

    Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative: The Movement Shaping African Music’s Future

    September 8, 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

General

Naira Marley Attacked On Stage? Viral Benin Republic Concert Sparks Chaos & Debate

September 12, 2025
Entertainment

“Boxing Shockwave: Amir Khan Teases Anthony Joshua Showdown in Lagos”

September 1, 2025
Entertainment

Edinburgh Festivals 2025: Bold Highlights That Lit Up Scotland’s Biggest Stage

August 28, 2025
Latest Posts

Naira Marley Attacked On Stage? Viral Benin Republic Concert Sparks Chaos & Debate

September 12, 2025

The Fall 2025 Movie Slate Is Massive: Blockbusters, Prestige, and Popcorn Surprises Await

September 11, 2025

Mr Eazi & Temi Otedola’s Triple Wedding: From Monaco to Iceland, A Love Story in Three Acts

September 10, 2025

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engagement Is More Than Romance—It’s a Cultural Power Play

September 9, 2025

Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative: The Movement Shaping African Music’s Future

September 8, 2025

Maya Hawke Engaged: Actress Sparks Engagement Rumors With Ring During Walk

September 8, 2025

Priya Marathe’s Legacy: The Marathi & Hindi TV Star Gone Too Soon at 38

September 4, 2025

Hilda Baci’s Giant Jollof: Nigeria Prepares for the World’s Biggest Pot of Rice

September 3, 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.