ICSC Statement: USC Should Reinstate Muslim Valedictorian Commencement Speaker
In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
April 18, 2024
USC Should Reinstate Muslim Valedictorian Commencement Speaker
The Islamic Center of Southern California calls upon the University of Southern California to reinstate Valedictorian Asna Tabassum as the commencement speaker for this years 2024 graduation.
Valedictorian Tabassums removal from this esteemed role, due to security concerns, is not reflective of the values universities should espouse - to be institutions of intellect that empower their students to be analytical and stand by the freedom to express themselves without repercussions or threats.
In 2018 the USC administration declared, There is something sacred on our campus, and that is the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, especially in regard to free speech. It is self-serving if free speech is being selectively sacrificed due to perceived threats to endowment and fear of upsetting donors.
USC, with its diverse student population and efforts for inclusion, has developed a reputation for cherishing the USC family and standing up for its own.
The rescinding of Valedictorian Asna Tabassums commencement address contradicts this tradition and allows the few who espouse hatred and bigotry to prevail. It is antithetical to the USC's own mission of, promoting the development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.
Let your voice be heard by sending a letter to USC.
We call upon our elected officials and civic leaders to speak up for academic freedom and the protection of minorities and student activists endorsing peace and justice and protesting violence.
These young activists on college campuses across the US continue to be targeted for speaking out against the atrocities of the ongoing Genocide in Gaza.
We recognize and acknowledge Valedictorian Asna Tabassum for her strength, courage, and eloquence.
May God bless, protect, and guide her during this challenging time and in the future.
May she continue to be a beacon of light in these dark times and may she be a role model for generations to come.
As we are reminded by our Faith, standing up for justice is required of us:
You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act justly- if you distort or neglect justice, God is fully aware of what you do. (An-Nisa 4:135)
May God guide us all as we strive only for His cause.
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