The University of Southern California (USC) made headlines recently for its controversial decision to cancel filmmaker Jon M. Chu’s keynote speech at the commencement ceremony. This move comes on the heels of their disallowing student valedictorian Asna Tabassum from speaking due to safety concerns.
Tabassum, who expressed support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict, faced backlash for her views. Pro-Israel organizations applauded the university’s decision, while free speech groups and the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned it.
With more than 65,000 people expected to gather on campus for commencement, including 19,000 graduates, university officials are now “redesigning” the entire program. The Israel-Hamas conflict has presented challenges for colleges under pressure to uphold free speech and open debate.
Meanwhile, at Columbia University, tensions ran high as an anti-Israel protest encampment was removed and over 100 demonstrators were arrested for trespassing. Some students involved in the protest claimed they were also suspended from Columbia and nearby Barnard College.
New York Mayor Eric Adams weighed in on the situation, stating that while students have the right to free speech, they do not have the right to violate university policies and disrupt learning on campus.
As universities navigate the delicate balance between free speech and maintaining order on campus, the USC debacle and the events at Columbia University serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by institutions during times of political turmoil.
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