USC vetoed a Muslim student’s graduation speech for her pro-Palestinian views. Why? | Mohammed Zain Shafi Khan

The California university cancelled Asna Tabassum's speech because of security concerns'. The real reason is cowardice

When Asna Tabassum, a hijab-wearing Muslim, was announced as the valedictorian for the University of Southern California class of 2024, my initial reaction was the thought of my south Asian mother saying, What are you doing? Why aren't you valedictorian?" But what followed was pride.

Then the university announced last week that it would no longer allow Tabassum to speak at commencement. After pro-Israel groups mischaracterized Tabassum's pro-Palestinian views as antisemitic", the USC administration claimed that security concerns made her speech untenable.

I am not surprised by those who attempt to propagate hatred," Tabassum, a friend of mine, wrote in a statement. I am surprised that my own university - my home for four years - has abandoned me."