USC cancels outside commencement speakers following valedictorian speech cancellation
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The University of Southern California (USC) has decided to eliminate outside speakers from this year's commencement ceremony after canceling the valedictorian speech of a Muslim student due to social media posts about Israel. The cancellation was made due to safety concerns following threats received via letters, phone calls, and emails. USC remains committed to hosting other internal and external speakers and performers at the event. USC expressed hopes of conferring honorary degrees to the canceled outside speakers at a future ceremony. The cancellation of the valedictorian's speech has sparked criticism from some students and activists who accused the university of infringing on free speech rights. USC's Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Andrew Guzman, defended the decision by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining campus security and safety. Asna Tabassum, the valedictorian whose speech was canceled, appeared on CNN to defend her advocacy for the rights of Palestinians. The cancellation has sparked debate among students, faculty, and advocacy groups regarding free speech rights and campus safety. The decision by USC to scrap outside speakers from the commencement ceremony has raised concerns about academic freedom and the protection of students' rights to express their opinions. Despite the criticisms and backlash, USC remains committed to hosting a variety of commencement events and ceremonies. The events at USC have drawn attention to broader issues of campus security, freedom of speech, and the responsibility of institutions to create inclusive and respectful academic environments for all students.
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