Hundreds gathered Thursday to advocate for the reinstatement of Asna Tabassum’s valedictory address. USC’s decision to revoke Tabassum’s opportunity to deliver her speech, citing unspecified security threats, has sparked outrage both on campus and around the world, with the Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) announcing a petition to reinstate the valedictorian that garnered 38,000 signatures in less than 48 hours.
The controversy has drawn national attention, with commentators casting doubts around the circumstances leading to USC’s action. A university statement on the move referenced threats of disruption to its commencement ceremony with Provost Andrew Guzman saying the decision was not made on the basis of free speech, while protestors and supporters of Asna have argued it was based in censorship and capitulation to external pressures.
The protest, advertised through flyers spread across campus, drew over 200 attendees to Tommy Trojan according to an estimate from USC’s Department of Public Safety. The demonstrators embarked on what they called a “silent march” across the campus to symbolize the institutional silencing of Tabassum, with many covering their mouths with tape or masks. The march route wound its way to the front of the Wallis Annenberg building, where the protestors shed their masks and raised their voices, chanting, “Let her speak!”
“As an attorney in Los Angeles, I have taken an oath to protect the constitution, California and federal, and fundamental principles that govern our society – our first amendment rights and freedom of speech that the university is violating,” protestor Armin Azod said. “We are here to let the university know that they are falling short of their obligations.”
The protesters were comprised of students, faculty, staff and residents from across the city. The event coincided with a recent statement signed by over 150 USC faculty members, condemning the university’s decision and advocating for her speech to be reinstated.
Jordan, a second-year communications major who did not want to give a last name, reflected on the significance of the protest for the future of USC.
“For those who are choosing to come to USC, don’t let this deter you. I’m just looking at all the people that are showing up right now, the student body does not agree with this decision,” she said. “This [decision] is not a reflection of the students. This isn’t even a reflection of the faculty. It’s a reflection of who was in charge of this university.”
As the demonstration circled back to its starting point at the school’s iconic Tommy Trojan statue, impassioned speeches were delivered to the crowd to conclude the march. A senior and friend of Asna’s who requested anonymity delivered an address denouncing USC’s decision as an affront to Tabassum and marginalized communities on campus.
“Unfortunately, USC loves to use our stories as their cover girls for diversity and inclusion, but only when it’s convenient,” they said, also drawing attention to the fact Tabassum’s speech was canceled before it was even written and submitted to the university. “You may have silenced her on campus, but now the world is her podium.”
Qais Adawiya contributed to this report.
