"USC Cancels Valedictorian's Pro-Palestinian Speech Over Safety Concerns"

The University of Southern California has canceled the commencement speech of its valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, citing security concerns related to tensions over the conflict in the Middle East. Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian-American Muslim, expressed shock and disappointment at the decision, which came after complaints from pro-Israel and Jewish groups about her social media activity. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the decision was made to ensure campus security and safety, but Tabassum and the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the cancellation as a manifestation of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.