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

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

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

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

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

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025
  • Relationships

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

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

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

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

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025
  • Celebrity Kids

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

    June 20, 2025

    DDG Files Restraining Order Against Halle Bailey

    June 10, 2025

    Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Divorce Timeline

    June 2, 2025

    Meryl Streep’s Daughter Louisa Jacobson Shares Her and Partner, Anna Blundell’s Plans for Valentine’s Day

    February 14, 2025

    Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin’s Son’s Name Revealed

    January 12, 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

Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

June 19, 2025
Entertainment

Justin Bieber Tweaks Instagram Post After Revealing Argument Amid Hailey’s Vogue Moment

May 26, 2025
Entertainment

Singer Chris Brown Arrested in the UK for an Alleged Assault Incident From 2023

May 20, 2025
Latest Posts

Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

June 23, 2025

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

June 20, 2025

Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

June 19, 2025

King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

June 18, 2025

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

June 17, 2025

Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Romance Official with a Kiss During His 31st Birthday Celebration

June 16, 2025

Miley Cyrus Opens Up About Healing ‘Messy’ Family Bonds After Years of Turmoil

June 13, 2025

DDG Files Restraining Order Against Halle Bailey

June 10, 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

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

August 30, 2023

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing: All You Need To Know

July 21, 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.