April 17, 2024 (EIRNS)—The valedictorian of the Class of 2024 at the University of Southern California, Asna Tabassum, has been told by university authorities that she will not be allowed to deliver the traditional valedictorian speech at the May 10 commencement, supposedly for security reasons. Provost Andrew Guzman wrote in a message to the university community: “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.” Guzman of course insisted that this had nothing, repeat nothing, to do with abridging freedom of speech. “To be clear: this decision has nothing to do with freedom of speech. There is no free-speech entitlement to speak at a commencement. The issue here is how best to maintain campus security and safety, period.''
ABC News reported that this will be the 141st commencement ceremony at USC and the first time the university has banned the valedictorian from speaking.
