USC cancels graduation keynote by filmmaker amid controversy over decision to drop student’s speech
LOS ANGELES — The University of Southern California further shook up its commencement plans on Friday, announcing the cancellation of a keynote speech by filmmaker Jon M. Chu, just days after he made the controversial choice not to allow the valedictorian to speak.
The private university in Los Angeles said Monday it is canceling valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech at the May 10 ceremony due to security concerns. Tabassum, who is Muslim, has expressed support for the Palestinians in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and university officials said the reaction to her appointment as valedictorian had “taken on an alarming tenor.” They did not mention any specific threats.
The university’s decision was met with praise from pro-Israel organizations but condemnation from free speech groups and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Students and faculty marched across campus on Thursday in silent protest against the university’s decision.
Now university officials say they are “redesigning” the entire commencement program.
“Given the well-publicized circumstances surrounding our main phase commencement program, university leadership has determined that it is best to dismiss our external speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony,” the university said in a non- signed statement posted Friday. “We have spoken with this exceptional group and hope to award these honorary degrees at future commencements or other academic ceremonies.”
Chu was scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the May 10 ceremony. He graduated from college in 2003 and has since directed films such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Wicked,” an adaptation of the Broadway musical released last year.
More than 65,000 people are expected to gather on campus for the commencement, including 19,000 graduates.
“While this should have been a time of celebration for my family, friends, professors and classmates, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices have subjected me to a campaign of racist hatred because of my uncompromising belief in human rights for all,” Tabassum said in a statement earlier this week.