USC has canceled its valedictorian speech by a Muslim student, Asna Tabassum, citing safety concerns amid tensions over the Middle East conflict. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated the decision aimed to protect campus security, not restrict freedom of speech. Tabassum challenged this, questioning if safety was the sole reason for revoking her invitation. The decision followed heightened tensions and concerns about disruptions at the upcoming graduation ceremony. Tabassum, a biomedical engineering major, criticized USC for "caving to fear and rewarding hatred," alleging she was targeted for her views on human rights.
