USC Cancels Speech by Pro-Palestinian Valedictorian Asna Tabassum

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Amid widespread repression of pro-Palestinian voices on campuses across the United States, we speak to University of Southern California valedictorian Asna Tabassum, whose commencement speech has been canceled for what the university claimed were "safety" reasons after Tabassum became the subject of an online anti-Palestinian hate campaign led by pro-Israel groups. "When I had asked for details regarding the security concerns," says Tabassum of learning about the cancellation, "I was offered no information and was told it was not appropriate for me to know." Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian American Muslim graduating with a major in biomedical engineering and a minor in resistance to genocide, says the unprecedented cancellation of her speech has been "heartbreaking."
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[@TimaHypenoodles]

She’s very well-spoken. I can see why she was selected to be valedictorian.

[@jacuzzihot]

Outrageous to acknowledge such a high caliber woman AND then silencing her.!!!!

[@abdulkariim7050]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@abdulkariim7050]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤1❤❤❤

[@elkobit7415]

Satana.

[@user-bs7mv5rh1u]

I can see that too. She is so good at talking and has fluent words. She also has a really strong personality imo

[@alinasir-py4np]

Usc Zionists try silencing her voice just amplified it a thousand fold

[@quinnmurph2750]

The Lord works in mysterious ways. 😏

[@IronskullGM]

Typical neo-nazi response.

[@Mars09157]

Is Gaza still up? Shut up.

[@garzila]

Exactly. Never heard of her before and now I've become a spokesman for her and her cause. Silencing never works the way they intend it to.

[@virferind7946]

The truth is an illegitimate Islamic structure is standing over holiest Jewish temple site!

[@hamna5485]

She is brave to come forward. More people have heard her stance now on Palestine compared to if she was just allowed to speak at the graduation ceremony. Keep speaking out Asna.

[@TransKidsMafia]

Good on USC. They don’t support terra

[@craigadams4143]

It's ALREADY tarnished...

[@BKayNeal]

"... they devised plans and Allah too had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners" (Qur'an 3:30).

[@71suns]

​@scpython1There is no 'both sides' when genocide on the entire population of Gaza is being purposefully committed on civilians. Bottom line.

[@ruyaal]

@scpython1 You and other interest group supporting Israel atrocities is just trying to muzzle this criticism and not to promote education and lofty goals of scholarship. Your intention is obvious, no need to ridiculous rethoric.

[@dennismorris7573]

Asna should write her speech and present it on social media. It may not be the same as giving it at graduation, but her message will be heard.

[@sjmuhammad19]

It won't be the same because it will be bigger. God has put her on a much bigger stage. Good for her.

[@junaidzakaria858]

Allah create much better opportunity for her she put this on social media.

[@SA-km3oh]

Fully agree 👍

[@user-tu5ck5pq2j]

Awesome idea 💯

[@Siwahib]

Absolutely.. they need to learn that we're no longer controlled by their policies..

[@md.muzahidulislamsamrat8037]

No apartheid has a right to exist, period.

[@gsf747]

No nation has a right to exist

[@sportschannelhighlightstv9765]

The rule doesn't apply for Isreal 😂 they can do anything by any mean

[@HaroldPhillipians]

@@gsf747 you are completely insane.

[@HaroldPhillipians]

no apartheid in israel, only morons say this.

[@gsf747]

@@HaroldPhillipians Nations exist because we create them. Are you saying they have a right to exist?

[@pensivelyrebelling]

This woman ended up with a much bigger platform thanks to this decision. She’s going to do amazing things for the world, too. That’s so clear from what she has to say.

[@angeladipace1035]

You are so right. While trying to si,nice her, they made her voice resound everywhere

[@scottmic3556]

she will be great just like Greta Thumberg , a professional Victim

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

She's clueless.

[@user-dc3ek1pn1n]

What? like strapping on a vest?

[@youx457]

​@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 .... about what ? Bigotry ? Genocide ? She has A Briliant Mind & She Is Beautiful ... what you got going on ?

[@GottuboiBeachVolleyball]

I believe USC made a horrible decision to cancel the class 2024 valedictorian speech. USC has lost its morality. Their rationale for canceling her speech seem bogus. Students must protest against this oppression of its fellow student.

[@sandal_thong8631]

Israel has had great influence in America for a long time. Now we see the lengths they go to stifle free speech (in America!) they disagree with.

[@fernandomarquez7011]

The made the best decision.

[@sandal_thong8631]

I can't see my comment, but am still getting notifications. I suppose it's critical of a certain country's lobbyists stifling free speech in America! Typical Cancel Culture from the far right.

[@wmdghdgg1234]

That's Racism is discrimination and prejudice against people's free speech and phobia of Muslims and hate she is should be A lawsuit against USC😢

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

USC is conservative and money...

[@chadm4885]

Asna a is very intillegent and deserving to be valedictorian and have right to her valedictorian speech

[@targgthewise2892]

But you were fine with canceling the pro trump valedictorian speeches. Commie

[@Alpharizzchad]

She can't be that smart to get caught up in the political world. But that is what she wants. To become a shield of Muslim people to change the government of America to meet there beliefs and change our government to their own. America meet the next Squad member. That is what is going on.

[@AbelSFR]

You have limited rights at a private university. USC is private, UC Berkeley or UCLA are not.

[@SAhmed-ih6fk]

For 1,400 years muslims subjugated Jews all over Arab lands, now that the world supports Jewish freedom, through the establishment of Israel, the muslims are complaining that it is so unfair… 😅😅. Why don’t we talk about this issue in 1,400 years. Muslims have no shame. A Muslim friend of mine told me that it is OK for muslims to LIE to non muslims…that explains a lot about her message.

[@wurds509]

"Intillegent," chadm4885? How would you know?

[@juliaeberle4095]

SHAME on USC. What a joke university.

[@RarebluCockatoo]

Understatement , it's a low down disgrace !

[@moudzy1446]

@@danishk4172 what is the definition of racism?

[@banonKING]

We often referred to it as "University of Spoiled Children" growing up. Gotta update that to "University of Spoiled Cowards"

[@caramelbilquees]

It's known to be a university full of rich kids and those with connections and children of celebrities not for genuine talent & intelligence, and hard work. UCLA is the university that has students of INTEGRITY. I live right by USC next to Expo and Vermont station

[@bjjblue]

😂

[@brandyalvarez3239]

I hope everyone gives this girl a platform to make that speech.

[@saArakd]

100% they should organize an alternative ceremony to celebrate her right to express her self. Isn't this what the freedoms of the West supports. Why stop her? If she says somethings that breaks the law then that a different story. But shunning her based on her expression of ideas and standing up against oppression and occupation is such anti democratic way.

[@waisjon9122]

My son has decided not to attend USC after what happened. Asna, you are what America was meant to be. I am proud of you... Sadly, we have realized that AIPAC has influenced and changed America, its leaders, and its institutions of higher learning.

[@Mars09157]

Go back to Gaza.

[@ArleeStarr]

Spot on! Glad you evaded the izzytube censors.

[@w.benson3011]

AIPAC is now making everyone who disagrees with them, second-class Americans.

[@ranaemens4971]

I’m glad mine didn’t even apply there

[@lunetelalune2783]

I’m a graduate student at USC. I’m so disappointed with the school’s decision.

[@dread0747]

I am not Muslim. I am not Jewish. I am not Christian. Give Asna her speech.

[@vmacart]

@@Alpharizzchad thanks comrade alpha-rizz-chad

[@WealthyPanda]

@@Alpharizzchad zionist 🤖?

[@bjjblue]

Nope 😂

[@eagleeagle7802]

She can still do it ,all she has to do is travel to Dubai and try

[@danielarista1352]

I disagree with her politics, but I totally agree with her right to speak her mind.

[@AMA2much]

What a well spoken and intelligent individual. USC (and the LAPD) should be ashamed.

[@wurds509]

No, AMA2much, USC shouldn't.

[@CruzCruz-nw7fi]

Yea that’s powerful well USC missed out ig… if they dont change ther mind

[@AMA2much]

@@CruzCruz-nw7fithey doubled down and canceled all commencement speakers. For ‘safety reasons’ mind you. In return, thousands of people are now on their campus protesting this decision and the young lady has made rounds on several major outlets to tell her story 👍🏽

[@arthurgreene8799]

Let’s see if their next chosen, pure one is half or smart or talented.

[@SafeEffective-ls2pl]

Universities have been censoring for 20 years and now you're against it because your side is being censored

[@spiritformula]

What a world we live in now. Wow. Such an eloquent young woman who is now being deprived of what's she's earned.

[@larrysherk]

She's not deprived of what she earned, for she will still get the degree. But we the people are deprived of hearing the lessons she has learned about our world. We are the losers.

[@LAGameStudio]

also, she's still valedictorian afaik

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Eloquent horseshit. She's clueless about the real world.

[@SAhmed-ih6fk]

For 1,400 years muslims subjugated Jews all over Arab lands, now that the world supports Jewish freedom, through the establishment of Israel, the muslims are complaining that it is so unfair… 😅😅. Why don’t we talk about this issue in 1,400 years. Muslims have no shame. A Muslim friend of mine told me that it is OK for muslims to LIE to non muslims…that explains a lot about her message.

[@rosegarden3687]

You mean "Eloquent" next gen Terrorist?

[@rafiurrahman7016]

Protect Asna Tabassum at all costs.

[@danishk4172]

Why don't she live in Islamic country. Don't go to non Islamic nation

[@moudzy1446]

@@danishk4172 what is the definition of ignorance?

[@banirahman4926]

@@danishk4172 She is an American citizen. Why can’t she stay here?

[@pattit6530]

@@danishk4172 bot

[@rogbrogb5341]

​@@danishk4172 Ever heard of "melting pot"?

[@ellenbenson7895]

What an impressive and intelligent young woman - the world needs more of those like her.

[@millwallholdings]

Less you mean

[@craigadams4143]

I don't have heroes , anymore , but , if I did, this young woman would be one. I support her, fully.💯

[@ShiestyApe]

She’s not gonna talk to you lil bro

[@azizahsattar444]

​@@ShiestyApeJealousy makes you nasty....she's a very educated lady... probably unlike you👹

[@ShiestyApe]

@@azizahsattar444 I can tell you need some more education by the way you type

[@jeromederosa9004]

Do you have any legal education? If you did not you would not use the word apartheid so easily. Arabs and Muslims and all others have perfect rights in Israel while people like ex muslims and Jews and others have been kicked out of Islamic nations which practice apartheid. We debunk whoever is scamming you with bad ideas regularly at Atheist Republic channel.

[@osaidsayyid4359]

If she was allowed to make the speech, only a few hundred would have listened to that. Now, she is getting the opportunity to speak to millions.

[@asturiasceltic3183]

Millions more who she made uncomfortable

[@MrBrock314]

@@asturiasceltic3183 More? Don't know about that. And being uncomfortable isn't a crime or even a bad thing half the time. The situation in Gaza should make people uncomfortable. War is a terrible thing and if it doesn't make you uncomfortable, you're losing touch with your humanity. Every human on the planet should be uncomfortable about thousands of dead children and mothers (and dads!).

[@asturiasceltic3183]

@@MrBrock314 Next time, if you ever have a loved one pass away (knock on wood you don't), you should bring up these politics as a speech during their funeral and other off-putting subjects like abortion to make people uncomfortable.. There is a time and place for everything.

[@tissuepaperbandit]

Nobody is interested in speech about the complete abolishment of a state, and then claiming they're not advocating for hate.

[@piku5637]

Defund Ïsræl. Normalize co-operatives and lⒶbour unions. Workers make the world run, workers should run the world.🍞🌹🏳️‍🌈

[@eagleeagle7802]

Can you explains how this can happen,,the whole congress are jew, the people that's work in the plant that make money are jews,,all billionaires in usa,are jew, in other words, the money that's you're receiving right now comes from the jews,so May Yahweh bless the jews

[@eaonhendrickson8666]

The problem there is that people like you don't work.

[@minismith7329]

❤

[@SAhmed-ih6fk]

For 1,400 years muslims subjugated Jews all over Arab lands, now that the world supports Jewish freedom, through the establishment of Israel, the muslims are complaining that it is so unfair… 😅😅. Why don’t we talk about this issue in 1,400 years. Muslims have no shame. A Muslim friend of mine told me that it is OK for muslims to LIE to non muslims…that explains a lot about her message.

[@fatimaesack7998]

Agree

[@keihan5]

Her smile is infectious. She is bright and intelligent and has earned her right to speak. Shame on USC.

[@quinnmurph2750]

...which is why they don't like her.

[@helgefredriksen7962]

​@@quinnmurph2750No. They deny her speach because they belive she will not praise zionism, Israel, apartheid, genocide.. She represents democracy, dialogue, intelligence, freedom, peace, equal rights, International law, justice....values hated by the establishment in USA.

[@Nicer2BNice]

She’s bright, articulate and empathetic. She is the embodiment of what the leadership of the world should strive to emulate.

[@Mars09157]

His smile is infected. Not infectious.

[@keihan5]

@@Mars09157 Did you take your pills today?

[@chicofrijoles]

That backfired, USC. Now, everyone will have the opportunity to hear what Tabassum has to say.

[@asturiasceltic3183]

And? Doesn't mean they're going to receive it well

[@MrBrock314]

@@asturiasceltic3183 They will if they like human rights.

[@asturiasceltic3183]

@@MrBrock314 If you think part of human rights is her view of Israel getting obliterated than I don't think it's going to go over to well.

[@ArleeStarr]

@@asturiasceltic3183 It certainly will not go over well with those that support the genocide of an entire unarmed, innocent, civilian population of Palestinians.

[@starrynight3554]

​@asturiasceltic3183 Proof she said Israel need to be exterminated?

[@Nicer2BNice]

She is bright, articulate and empathetic. She is the embodiment of what the world’s leadership should be trying to emulate.

[@millwallholdings]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 shes scum

[@Chillbaba-1990]

Also radicalised 😂

[@mandelmon]

I was made to believe America is a free world.

[@ruyaal]

Welcome to America.

[@hoosierbaddy3052]

Define free

[@rogerfaint499]

It was a lie all along.

[@BericD]

You were brought up on lies. So take this opportunity to wake up and find out what other lies your were made to believe.

[@LSimpson742]

Only for whites

[@naziirani2773]

They cannot silence your voice for a better world!!!

[@jeromederosa9004]

Do you have any legal education? If you did not you would not use the word apartheid so easily. Arabs and Muslims and all others have perfect rights in Israel while people like ex muslims and Jews and others have been kicked out of Islamic nations which practice apartheid. We debunk whoever is scamming you with bad ideas regularly at Atheist Republic channel.

[@SaraKhan-bb6fj]

I'm proud of you sister Asna. May Allah (swt) protect you from those who slander you. Ameen.

[@yulfasnow5081]

Aamiin ya Allah, Rabbul 'Alaamiin.

[@anarivera8852]

They made her famous. They gave her more audience. She spoke everywhere and on every plateau, and she demonstrated how intelligent, beautiful, smart, well articulated she is. The whole country and everywhere in the world, people are listening to her instead of being solely speaking to this university. Her university now has no limits. The mediocre must be biting their fingers. They don’t control anymore the media and they can’t silent the beautiful voices of freedom and truth, and love. Their hate consumes only them.

[@michaelp7617]

You miss 1939. Your hate consumes you. Silly 🤡

[@surenperera9288]

God bless this young woman!!! People like her will change the world, and give it it's humanity back.

[@wurds509]

"People like her will change the world," surenperera9288? People like her have been hoodwinking their way into the infidel world for all the years of Islam's existence, where Muslims haven't been killing people for the same cause, that is. Tell us all where Islam has made an improvement in this world, would you? You seem to believe it has.

[@wurds509]

"People like her will change the world," surenperera9288? People like her have been hoodwinking their way into the infidel world for all the years of Islam's existence, where Muslims haven't been killing people for the same cause, that is. Tell us all where Islam has made an improvement in this world, would you? You seem to believe it has.

[@wurds509]

"People like her will change the world," surenperera9288? People like her have been hoodwinking their way into the infidel world for all the years of Islam's existence, where Muslims haven't been killing people for the same cause, that is. Tell us all where Islam has made an improvement in this world, would you? You seem to believe it has.

[@wurds509]

"People like her will change the world," surenperera9288? People like her have been hoodwinking their way into the infidel world for all the years of Islam's existence, where Muslims haven't been killing people for the same cause, that is. Tell us all where Islam has made an improvement in this world, would you? You seem to believe it has.

[@millwallholdings]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@emiliobello2538]

Let them have her speech. The best student has to speak up She’s literally the best type of student. Cares about people and has top grades, let her speak up It would be worse if it was someone who is graduating college at a young age

[@valentinadivina2229]

Watching from Canada and I think that USC administration should be ashamed for its decision. Asna is so intelligent and deserves better. The haters are just jealous. I stand with you Ashna and don't let them stop you ✌️✊💯

[@alimi-yaoadam1667]

Sir, the administrators of USC are also protecting their jobs.

[@valentinadivina2229]

@@alimi-yaoadam1667 And?!? How about also protecting the right and privilege of Asna? How about providing her somes body guards? They're are just 🐍!ON!ST puppets who are afraid of their master 🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@MattMajcan]

@@alimi-yaoadam1667thats what they think. good luck holding onto their jobs when there arent any students anymore. will those big donors keep donating when nobody goes to the school anymore and its reputation is destroyed?

[@HaroldPhillipians]

Asna is the hater. She hates jews, and calls for israel to be destroyed.

[@im-gy9zk]

You are poisoning the world by your wrong ideology, try to read their believes and their history not their tears now!

[@asmakhan-hl7eh]

What an eloquent student. Shame on USC

[@rwksasc]

The U.S. shows its true colors. So all the criticisms of other countries is just because it hasn’t looked itself in the mirror!

[@camhammer6147]

BS what USC did

[@satnamo]

Silence pro truth and justice voices ❤

[@fernandomarquez7011]

The hate of Palestinians for Jews has no place in a graduation speech.

[@IssaRaeOf10S]

I could only dream of expressing myself this well! So inspiring. Such a brilliant young woman ❤

[@kitchencounterculture8466]

She is so enlightened and articulate. I wish her all the best and yes, how embarrassing for USC to have caved to those who wish to censor.

[@initial_C]

It's enlightened and articulate to support race and religion motivated terrorists and rapists.

[@tissuepaperbandit]

Links to a page that calls for the "complete abolishment of the state of Israel"... Enough said

[@wurds509]

Enlightened, kitchencounterculture8466? Ms. Tabassum subscribes to a way of life whose principal text-written, we're told, by the only deity in the universe-begins by saying “This is the Book about which there is no doubt” at 2:2 and at 2:285 says “We hear and we obey," and that's what Muslims do. Fire, water, and wind, too, justify themselves by doing what's expected of THEM. Thinking would only disturb their certitude. Moreover, Muhammad, at Abu Dawud 3:4590, said "Avoid novelties, for every novelty is an innovation, and every innovation is an error." And censor? It is absolutely impossible to build a church in Saudi Arabia. And are you not familiar with the fate of Saudi Arabian dissident Jamal Khashoggi? Those are the tip of the tip of the iceberg. No imperative attends the United States or any part thereof to grant a platform to a representative of human history's worst disaster. Before Muhammad, there were Abraham (“Let there be no strife”), Confucius (“Education breeds confidence, confidence breeds hope, hope breeds peace”), the Buddha (“Hatred does not cease by hatred”), Zoroaster (“A reflective, contented mind is the best possession”), Jesus (“Love one another”), Mani (who combined earlier religions), and other prophets. Then came Muhammad (“Fighting is enjoined on you”), whose Qur'ān says “O True believers, when you encounter the unbelievers, strike off their heads,” which al-Hajjaj bin Yusuf cited in 712 to justify a slaughter of thousands in Brahmanabad, far up the Indus River valley.

[@RandomNooby]

I am a little confused; a group of people are taking issue with this brave woman for standing up for the persecution of a group of Semite people. I am sure there is a word for this but it escapes me...

[@saArakd]

Equally confusing since freedoms of expressions and speech is what is being preached to the rest of the world

[@louiscarter-adams4226]

Palestinians and Arabs are semites. So I guess that makes you a Zionist screaming “..Semite” at every atrocity committed by your dual citizenship land

[@valeriewedel2775]

Hmmmm the word might be...antisemirism. To show my deep support for Semitic Peoples, I declare: from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!.

[@RandomNooby]

@@valeriewedel2775 As with all things it is complicated; the phrase is controversial and loaded with meaning. Some Palestinian groups use it to advocate for a single, unified Palestinian state encompassing all of historical Palestine, effectively replacing Israel. On the other hand, some Israeli groups view the phrase as a threat to Israel's existence, suggesting that it implies the elimination of the Jewish state. Given that is promotes an irrational rage response from Israeli extremists bent on genocide and fear in your average Israeli who is against genocide, it 'aint the best catch phrase for a peaceful solution.

[@Bananabear20]

@@RandomNooby it's not irrational if it's true...

[@breathnstop]

Opposing viewpoints is our right. This is the United States not Israel.

[@louiscarter-adams4226]

The Zionist dual citizens on the board of USC have a different opinion

[@tissuepaperbandit]

Calling for the complete abolishment of a state of people goes a bit past an "opposing viewpoint". She links to that statement in her bio and calls it a message of hope and inspiration. It's a joke

[@lunarsilk3008]

Well.... You won't be receiving a single negative thought or word from me. What a fabulous young woman!

[@wareagle5476]

Sue them

[@breathnstop]

So she's in danger but it isnt appropriate to tell her why or how to protect her????

[@roboldx9171]

Who could be so ill in mind to hate a smile like hers?

[@warrenpaine]

Voltaire said: "TO learn who rules over you simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize."

[@robinharwood5044]

No, not Voltaire. But a good point nonetheless.

[@tjmaxx4739]

What happened to USA constitution of freedom of speech and press, that USA wants the rest of the world to follow ?

[@justbe1451]

I'm thankful to be alive during this historic test of love, not fear in each other. ❤ Censoring a voice will not calm your fear, nor will it go away.

[@tissuepaperbandit]

She links to a page that calls for the "complete abolishment of the state of Israel" and then says she isn't advocating for hate. How is that a statement of love.

[@chriss-nf1bd]

She has the right to know and have the e mails. As then she can press charges against those who threaten her. Is it me or the University is trying to lessen the hit on the rep for the schools ability to make sure students safety. Which would lead to less enrollment. this is more about money than it is for her safety... I hope she sues the school for much more than it would have cast them in paying for security they already would have done in the first place...

[@jacuzzihot]

USC bowing to the Jewish money.

[@sabiirkamil]

SHAME on USC.

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

The war is a hate crime.😮

[@garygoodin1426]

Meanwhile, apartheid and land theft, financed by Americans, continue. This is the real reason tiktok is being banned. It shows the horrors of Gaza since Israel doesn't allow independent journalists to report on everyday barbarism against Palestinians.

[@blackknight4996]

@scpython1 United Snakes conducts, conducting, has conducted such wars non-stop...So don't pretend here..

[@ctsphang]

_Sit down, shut up, pay tuition_ --USC curriculum in a nutshell.

[@louiscarter-adams4226]

Don’t forget to pay homage to the great Zionists sitting on the board of USC

[@pinkpickledcauliflower9]

Well spoken young lady. Thank you for your efforts to stand up for what is right when it is so difficult to do so.

[@tissuepaperbandit]

She links to a page that calls for the "complete abolishment of the state of Israel" and then says she isn't advocating for hate. Is that really standing up for the right thing?

[@pinkpickledcauliflower9]

@@tissuepaperbandit Yeah she is not supporting the terroristic modern state of Israel so she is not advocating for hate. The current state of Israel is a racist, criminal regime. The abolishment of the state of Israel means to implement a government and state that is not racist and based on apartheid and genocide.This means peace and justice for ALL, Palestinians just as much as Jews. It doesn't call for the war crimes that Israel is CURRENTLY committing. Do you think the state of Israel is innocent?

[@marissamcl]

@@tissuepaperbandit. Yes it is the right thing. Israel has shown time and time again they do not deserve a state. No humanity whatsoever.

[@pinkpickledcauliflower9]

@@tissuepaperbandit She's standing against Israel so she is standing for the right thing. Do you enjoy being loyal to foreign government that kills civilians after dehumanizing them and lying?

[@WhatIfWe615]

If I were her I’d post the speech on YT.

[@user-go8ys4nl7i]

What a beautiful person and yes she now has a much bigger platform, even though the university is so very wrong…. She will inspire many ❤

[@KrishanPatroo]

They are trying to put you down and shatter your confidence. This move is basically saying 'this is what it's going to be like for you in the real world'. Their biggest mistake (of many mistakes) is that this has only made you stronger. Good luck.

[@RC-jr4in]

What an intelligent, articulate and compassionate young woman. I hope she goes on to do life changing work despite the bigots, zionists and imperialists trying to take her down.

[@TheOperajet]

What a brilliant person. Such a great interview. ❤

[@tissuepaperbandit]

She links to a page that calls for the "complete abolishment of the state of Israel" and then says she isn't advocating for hate. Replace "Israel" with "Palestine" in that statement and suddenly the person linking to that wouldn't be so brilliant in today's hypocritical US.

[@kathleentrinity7367]

3:30 I hope she presents her speech on You Tube and prints it online. Whether or not one agrees with any part of her speech or even all of it, it is vital in a democracy for citizens to have access to others' opinions. USC has diminished itself for denying others of this young woman's speech. As an alumna, I am embarrassed. Universities have a duty to lead, not to follow the current atmosphere of uncritical thinking and lack of humanitarian values.

[@ArleeStarr]

You must know that the same znists that cancelled her speech, also control the content on youtube. So don't hold your breathe waiting to read her speech here. Although it could be presented by a truthful organization with a youtube channel, like DemocracyNow!, Breaking Points, Break Through News, Novara Media, or even TMR. I know I left a few out.

[@ArleeStarr]

Universities do what their billionaire donors tell them to do.

[@Hiking_pups]

What an embarrassment for USC to miss out on such an outstanding young person as their Valedictorian. She deserves better. Keep speaking your truth, Asna. And thank you for being a voice for Palestine and others who are oppressed.

[@robinharwood5044]

No such thing as “her truth”. Truth is independent of persons. And the truth about Palestine needs to be spoken more.

[@Hiking_pups]

@@robinharwood5044 “Speaking your truth” means to staying true to who you are. Staying true to your beliefs, opinions, etc. At least, that is my understanding of the phrase.

[@robinharwood5044]

@@Hiking_pups That is preferable to the literal implication of the phrase. On the face of it, the phrase suggests that truth is just a matter of personal preference. Mind you, I don’t want people to “stay true to their beliefs and opinions”, either. I want them to search for the truth, and adjust their beliefs and opinions to match.

[@marilynbrounstein4820]

Asna needs to give her speech. She has a right to do it. Very intelligent woman.

[@Rose-te9rd]

F NO. TALK IS CHEAP. HER ACTIONS ARE DISGUSTING

[@saArakd]

Whoops someone is triggered by their superiority complex

[@MrBrock314]

@@Rose-te9rd The action of being the most accomplished person out of thousands? Or her desire to use her skills to alleviate human suffering? Which of those terrible actions are you referring to?

[@proconsumersafety]

Asna Tobassum is USCs 2024 valedictorian, and she deserves to speak! I am a USC Alumnus, and what USC has now done, is increased the risk of protests during graduation. All of what USC says, without evidence, wanted to prevent. Now they will have protests. What they should have done and still can do, is to let her speak. She is valedictorian and has been chosen to speak and she deserves this. What the USC President Folt could have done when opening up and welcoming graduates is to have a welcome speech that includes, for example: "for everyone today to remember that graduation is to recognize our graduates, the speakers today, we are honored to have because of their academic achievements. We must all give them the respect in their beliefs and opinions to empower their graduation peers and to ensure hope in their future. This is why we are all here today, to honor them, so please keep this in mind and I welcome you all, and to our graduates."

[@virginiaipazia6149]

WOW You have my best wishes

[@tissuepaperbandit]

Links to a page that calls for the "complete abolishment of the state of Israel". Enough said

[@rational-public-discourse]

The Republican Party is very scary, and the Democrats are not too far behind. Every member of Congress is put under enormous pressure to be a protector of the corporate-state hegemonic political order. We need structural change.

[@faizamajid5037]

Brilliant young girl ,I'm hopeful for the future if we have such inspiring young people on our midst ,not fair what has happened

[@TheRamiYT]

- Make me laugh take $20 - US is a democratic nation that endorses free speech and human rights and supports people's right for self determination. 😂 + $20!

[@StateOfPurgatory]

Thank you for saying about Armenians too

[@pao6097]

There used to be freedom of speech in this country. Also, the right to have opposing views - especially at a university.

[@ZZZebman]

Only in your dreams buddy and when speech was in favor of White European Americans and Jews, otherwise there never was any freedom speech.

[@NotInMYName_AntiZionistJew]

This brilliant woman absolutely needs to be listened to. I want to see her inspirational message platformed. USC, please beef up security or do whatever needs to be done. She 100% needs to be heard. 🙏

[@afroman4035]

Shame on USC! Asna is reaching far more audience than USC. Thanks for inviting her Democracy now.

[@gillianespinoza3652]

Come on USC. Give her her flowers, she earned them. It’s on you USC to stand up to bigotry against her just because she’s Palestinian and speaking out against anti-Palestinian hatred. We all know why you removed her from valedictorian USC. DO BETTER USC!!!!

[@raygunathilake]

Congratulations! Such a composed person. Please publish your speech somewhere so we all can have a read or listen.

[@NotInMYName_AntiZionistJew]

What an extremely intelligent, inspirational and insightful women. She is the perfect speaker to give this address and if they need to greatly beef up their security to make that happen, then that is 100% what USC needs to do. Her inspirational message absolutely needs to be heard. If anyone can’t recognize humanitarian, hope and common sense, that’s on them and they don’t deserve to have the power to derail the message that this wonderful young women is saying.

[@valeriewedel2775]

What an amazing young woman! Brava!❤ Free Palestine!!

[@lesleybetts4874]

What an inspirational young woman. I wish her every success in her life and work. She represents a good majority of her generation..that's gotta be a little light and hope in our dark world!

[@MrSmithct4]

Asna is incredible, the youth will win in this war on freedom and humanity itself

[@usmanjawaid5362]

Tell her to upload her speech on youtube.

[@Danfischer81]

This is what a thoughtful, beautiful human looks like! Respect! Stay strong! Thank You!

[@noelcordero9107]

I'm a Roman Catholic guy who supports a Free Palestine, and I support this humble intelligent woman.❤

[@MariamaDiallo-ii2jf]

You are smart no one will take that from you

[@satnamo]

Given my familial background, Education is such a privilege And using the ways that we have learned how to learn, It is incumbent upon us to look at the world and see what we see And then take information and make conclusions So that we can change the worlds In the ways that we want to change ❤

[@manchesterunitedakamrtread8317]

They can't take your brains away

[@domino2009ful]

You must be doing something right if they start hating on you…keep it up sis‼️🙏

[@sasachiminesh1204]

it wasn't real safety, it was political safety.

[@Nicer2BNice]

USC’s actions represent the exact opposite of what institutions of higher education should represent and stand for. Not to muzzle this bright young lady, but if the university was worried about what she might say, they should’ve asked her. As long as she assured them that she would not go over the line with what is legally permissible as free speech in the United States of America under the first amendment, they should’ve allowed her to make her speech. This is what the founders of our country set out to protect. It’s my opinion that the USC administration should change their mind and allow this bright young person to speak as the valedictorian at her commencement celebration. What are they worried about?

[@FayAbd234]

Beautiful interview. She is calm, purposeful & speaks eloquently with conviction. When one speaks from the heart, that makes it heartfelt to those who care to listen with an open mind.

[@rusty6365]

A cult of antiquity is a common theme for perpetrators of genocide...

[@sherifakoheeallee416]

Asna this is the reality that we live in ,USC needs people like you, you will be for ever be in the history of USC and this coverage is showing the world the failures of your Peers and their cowardly actions.blessings of the Almighty be with you

[@MelodyHoefdraad-pf7dg]

An admirable young lady with a bright future ahead of her!

[@monitor07101]

I agree with the comment suggesting Asna should write her speech and post it on the social media using various platforms. I am sure she will get more views than what she would have got under the pathetic USC channel. Asna Go For It!

[@ArleeStarr]

That makes perfect sense! Unlike others who want her speech put on youtube. edit: which the youtube censors would remove.

[@snipervictim]

God bless her WOW she is awesome !

[@tarainLA]

She is so remarkable: poised, empathetic, fearless.

[@tissuepaperbandit]

She links to a page that calls for the "complete abolishment of the state of Israel" and then says she isn't advocating for hate. Replace "Israel" with "Palestine" in that statement and suddenly the person linking to that wouldn't be considered so "remarkable"

[@GardenerGeorge]

@@tissuepaperbanditchanging an apartheid religious state into one that is a secular with equal rights for all citizens regardless of race or religion is NOT an act of hate .

[@karenarnett5167]

brava! Asna represents among the best of humanity, while she faces in a clear-thinking and courageous way the worst of humanity. I feel heartened about our future in listening to her.

[@BarbSadatSimler]

Do not allow the hateful comments to encourage you to negative situations. . .

[@serenal2519]

Why or why on earth should "anti-semitism" be any worse than "anti-arab/anti-Palestinian" feeling and actions? WHY, WHY? Can someone please tell? Because me thinks all people are born equal and no race, no culture, no religion, no skin colour is more important than any other.

[@MrBrock314]

They're both equally evil. It's just that being anti-Arab or anti-Muslim or anti-Palestinian is a far less dramatic accusation (ie. it doesn't hold the stigma that being accused of antisemitism does), especially in the West. There are plenty of publicly anti-Muslim or anti-Arab politicians (who are fairly mainstream) compared to antisemitic politicians for example. Like Marjorie Taylor Greene is one of the more notable antisemites (Jewish laser thing) while the entire Republican party chastised a Muslim representative of Congress citing hate speech when it wasn't.

[@NotInMYName_AntiZionistJew]

There is absolutely nothing antisemitic about anything she said, quite the contrary. Her message absolutely needs to be heard.

[@serenal2519]

@@NotInMYName_AntiZionistJew I wasn't referring to her. It was a general comment about the bias of Western states, their organisations and their media.

[@NotInMYName_AntiZionistJew]

@@serenal2519 I didn’t assume you were, I was specifically referencing that word in the title. I was just pointing out that all of these people/organizations/etc, were being absolutely ridiculous and unfair to even accuse her of such a thing. Her speech was the absolute antithesis of any kind of hate speech.

[@asturiasceltic3183]

I thought she was really smart.. Security is no longer secure if they reveal their vulnerabilities to you so they can't tell you for safety reasons.

[@dreamengine13]

Highly intelligent and impressive young woman. No wonder the cowardly admin at USC are running scared. She puts you all to shame.

[@diegoesteta]

She is amazing. Being a professor is the honor of my life.

[@davidyemm7910]

Key words: canceling speech.

[@farzanarazvi8763]

Proud of you,regardless of whether you’re allowed to give the speech or not. God has his ways of doing things, this way you have reached , and conveyed your message to a much wider audience. Kudos to you, much luck in your future endeavors.

[@phanna7492]

The University of Southern California should be ashamed of itself.

[@priscillaferguson267]

Thank you interviewing such an intelligent and articulate young woman! Hopefully more people will get to hear your point of view and walk away with some insight and hope.

[@alfiey5783]

At my commencement along with my parents who fly across the world. We Dont want to hear about politics…. At a private university i paid to study engineering. I cant shut this off like TV. Free speech is available on the sidewalk. The university is on private grounds. Dont call it free speech please. Not as a Ukrainian, north korean, and so on i can talk about the death there…. Please consider other people who DONT want to listen to politics and hate at their graduation. They are also students that PAID to study not listen to politics….

[@deutziana4370]

Your comment shows that the university where you studied failed to educate you. The young woman hadn't even written her speech when they canceled her. The university officials canceled her because of what they feared she might say based on who she is. There is no freedom where people are silenced because of who they are.

[@GardenerGeorge]

@@deutziana4370well said

[@62WILDCAT]

We all must share this far & wide

[@R.IAmEnough]

Justice, human rights and freedom for occupied Palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸