USC students protest against decision to ban valedictorian's speech at commencement

Students rallied next to USC's Tommy Trojan on Thursday to protest the university's decision to ban this year's valedictorian from delivering her commencement speech amid apparent safety concerns. Jasmine Viel reports.

[@medchekir7988]

Free America from AIPAC

[@podcastfan2544]

If you want to know who controls you behind the scenes find the group you're not allowed to criticize in public -Volataire

[@tony_rebel7697]

Truth

[@emmas1082]

I think it’s a good decision. No one wants to hear from someone who supports terrorism and antisemitism.

[@enoughrope1638]

I guarantee she would have been shut down just as hard if she was pro Israel. The topic is HIGHLY contentious right now. Regardless I am sure she could simply go off campus and hold her speech in any public area and would be fully protected by the her 1st amendment right to do so. The right to free speech does not include the right to demand the university give her a platform to speak at.

[@spencerbeard3904]

Palestine will only control Palestine.

[@editordaniellemarie]

how insightful 😂

[@dgtheone]

So they cancelled her speech because of safety concerns for her …. from who?

[@yaakcon]

We don't know because they don't say.

[@Maliceless100]

USC looks foolish for lying. They can afford security also.

[@bakarydrammeh8701]

From Terrorist IDF

[@YoSpongebob]

If they can’t ensure the safety of their valedictorian then what is the use of all of this money they take from everybody every year?

[@TruthRules2]

Zi0N@zis.

[@kevinjenner9502]

AIPAC should be required to register under FARA…End foreign election interference.

[@SomeCanine]

That would require the dual citizens in our government to be removed. That won't happen.

[@AncientPharaoh]

J F K was making them register as a foreign lobby and they p e w p e w him t h e n t h e y c h a n g e d t h e i r n a m e. To what it is now.

[@laryjohnson5736]

LOL

[@Justiceactivist]

Exactly

[@laryjohnson5736]

@@Justiceactivist LOL

[@user-wr4yl7tx3w]

then why not have her speak on a live screen, if she's okay with it.

[@mohamedhussein9935]

AIPAC went far and America needs to be free. free America !

[@sin7wu]

Let her speak! If something were to happen to her during her speech, the world will see what evil groups that are out there trying to shut her up.

[@artemmandrob]

Sounds like a recognition of bullying as an effective strategy for shutting up people who views are "unacceptable."

[@user-wr4yl7tx3w]

more about donation concerns actually.

[@caramelbilquees]

EXACTLY lot of the kids are rich Jews with links to Israel and their parents donate

[@David-bc4rh]

The link posted was antizionist, not antijew.

[@maxamed4yare]

Big facts

[@artemmandrob]

Does anyone consider the safety of college students in Gaza? Campuses destroyed, faculty and students murdered in indiscriminate--and targeted--bombings. Collective punishment. Illegal under international law, but done with impunity--and with the direct aid of our US tax dollars. There is something terribly wrong with this situation. Immoral and repulsive. Yes, Hamas is horrible--but symptomatic of a conflict that has festered way too long. Injustices that are tolerated despite being something none of us would accept in our own lives.

[@alexhue752]

If i were asnai would filethe lawsuit against school. She earned it.

[@Methequeen]

Where is the hate speech? Lies and slander.

[@gbonkers666]

One would think that they read her speech first....

[@andrewharvey3282]

Now she can give her speech to a much larger audience.

[@propblast82nd]

Trouble in the indoctrination camp 😱

[@belw58]

I hope they arrest them all. Sick of looking at her face

[@BencerCourt123]

Ge no cidal regime supporter ??

[@daivietnguyen7289]

“It’s very easy to trade democracy for the feeling of security “

[@AlexanderRodriguez-ni4kt]

Feelings are more important

[@maestrofrags3436]

They teach them about history of genocide in college and they want them to stop protesting 😂

[@mikepowers6913]

Some campuses canceled graduation ceremonies so she gets to trade her single loss. Good decision!

[@barryshaw5660]

Well, Americans is finally out in the open. We are a fascist country.

[@aclark903]

Under Joe Biden…

[@Eman-bx1yb]

And the children of Gaza feel safe? Oh my God, the entitlement to commit a genocide should not be a right.

[@Maliceless100]

Asna's speech would be on unifying matters of her class's future including equal human rights for all, not pro-Palestine or anti-Israel. USC can afford security and looks foolish for lying.

[@24434adem]

Standing for humanity is not crime.

[@nelsonalibasa4486]

aipac ...should refer the speach..safety?? in your ground why???.GUILTY ????

[@tedchristian2235]

Everybody knows valedictorian speeches aren't supposed to be political, they're supposed to be about supporting the troops and the politicians and winning the wars and loving the US and doing what the government says. Leave politics out of it.

[@Ultraviolet516]

Lol your politicians are sell out giving moral lecture

[@p.abidin6514]

If it was for safety reason why don't they invite the cops to ensure.everyone's safety???

[@Hawd74.]

Shame on you usc what happen the free speech country

[@BencerCourt123]

Freedom from aipac

[@Markj152]

But what is really funny is that by canceling her speech, her platform to express her views has gone viral.

[@MahboobAli-xt3wz]

Shameless American politicians

[@YoSpongebob]

FREEDOM OF SPEECH shreedom of shpeech.

[@skrmacs4815]

he is trying to give her perspective.

[@jjold9394]

NO TRUST IRAN 🇮🇷

[@stinger4712]

The lies of freedom of speech and freedom of association..

[@Sherman350]

typical hat stuff ---- taking out anyone who opposes them and then saying oy veyyy we're concerned about everyone's safety

[@raniekhan8938]

This really convenient to say a Jewish person feels unsafe . This is a convenient excuse .

[@waltermiller3274]

The Ashkenazi strikes again. Just when you think Darth Vader is gone the Empire Strikes Back.

[@moayadalmasri5520]

Hahaha. The land if the free. B S

[@malovina]

Then ho to Gaza that had all the freedoms in the world, or Iran

[@yaakcon]

@@malovina You are missing the point STUPID.

[@salravioli]

Absolutely not. I will blame her if any crazies show up and hurt someone.

[@sgsvirgos1246]

Shame on USC! Sponsors/donors should stop funding this University 🤔

[@CThomas-wg4gc]

JEHOVAH is working. Truth shall not be hidden, the mark is clear.

[@SuhaAli-rm5ke]

Young smart educated professionals human being

[@AshokGupta-oq6hs]

Sir,it is a complex issue. USC took a risk by picking her for valedictorian address knowing her views from her social media accounts. On the whole USC did it right.

[@MikaelDorfer-ub9ci]

Ha Hahaha 😅 Freedom of speech ? 😅

[@taiwannin1895]

Brave and smart young people, Stand up for Justice , They know what is right and wrong better than middle and old age people.

[@rt-a2005]

They buried us, but they didn't know we were seeds

[@twothreeactual9254]

Seeds don’t germinate in unsuitable conditions. THIS BEING ONE OF THEM!!! 😂

[@rt-a2005]

@@twothreeactual9254 your mom gave birth to you when your father unloaded his seed in a very inhospitable condition as well, seeds always find way!

[@twothreeactual9254]

@@rt-a2005 Typical bird brain response. Always resulting in insults, hate and violence. Furthering solidifying my statement.

[@rt-a2005]

@@twothreeactual9254 how is that an insult?

[@danielkim7841]

Jewish people helped USC by donating money and supporting it. Lots of famous alumni are Jewish who went on to do great things and bring prestige and renown to the school. So yes, Jewish students DID provide the fertile ground for other nonJews to study at USC. So Asna, a first generation immigrant from a southeast Asian country, Malaysia or Indonesia, comes here and then makes it hostile for Jews at USC. Asna is so ungrateful! There is no academic institution like USC in Malaysia or Indonesia. She should not get to enjoy the privilege of studying at USC at the way she and her supporters are making it a hostile place for Jewish students!!!

[@eddieolmedo9107]

They cover there faces ! Bunch of cowards !

[@user-rk3kk6fe7p]

The school is right to ban her to speak. They already know what she is going to speak.

[@eurozone73]

Mind reading is an actual major at USC ? 😂

[@RickCole-ni9gc]

BS.

[@benw.6194]

no speech, no security risks! Intelligent or stupid speeches create chaos!

[@AllKindsOfWays]

What a stupid comment

[@ConfusedCrab-tp8gc]

Hahahahahhahahahahaha 😂

[@MsCremant]

Good for USC. Shut it down. Give the entitled brats their diplomas, and sent them on their way.

[@sakura142]

Scared tht much from a speech ? 😂

[@BencerCourt123]

Did aipac send the directive?

[@electricjoshaloo]

I more shocked that California is actually still doing outdoor masking. Absolutely insane.

[@dennisgarrity6738]

if you look around in the background a lot of people are not wearing a mask I think it is more symbolic of being silenced

[@electricjoshaloo]

@@dennisgarrity6738 there are enough to make it absurdity on a laughable and shocking scale

[@Born_X_Raised_LA]

@@dennisgarrity6738 sYMboLIC? As if they are victims 😷😭😷😭

[@scottmic3556]

@@dennisgarrity6738 there hiding like little kids

[@ChristopherHaws90]

98% of people I see don't wear masks. I see people wearing masks when they are either sick themselves or have an auto-immune disorder.

[@mary5305j]

It’s weird how the colleges are stating safety when there hasn’t been any actual attacks against students.

[@thesean3194]

USC read the speech and said “Nope”.

[@yehmustafa2959]

Allahu Akbar

[@24434adem]

Let her speak for freedom of palastin kids, women, older people. Free palastin.

[@nicolemonrue]

Protests have no bearing anymore... They are pointless now. There's a protest literally every day.

[@cinnamonstar808]

It makes a difference. PEOPLE around the world inherited the Americana culture. = quiet marches in protest. Let me remind you the old world alternative was full-out civil war and unending riots. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 trust me.... this a better way 1000% to push out the energy remember when the King of England raised tea taxes May 10 1773? exactly

[@drewtheiss3064]

Crying so hard. Just joking, good for USC. If this kids are so pro Palestine, why don't they give up their comfort and go over there and help the Palestinian people?

[@MylifeMB]

Isra hel is blocking that also. Just FYI. Read the room.

[@MylifeMB]

That country that is occupying at the moment won't let them.

[@malovina]

​@@MylifeMBwhy did Jordan gave up West Bank??

[@adnanchowdhury614]

Your ignorance is showing. When they don’t even let food in, or journalists in you think the Israelis are going to let foreign civilians in ti help the civilian population ? Please, refrain from discussions if you don’t understand what’s going on.

[@Ultraviolet516]

Try more hard it aint work anymore

[@victor77777771]

They should protest in Gaza

[@asiyadua9590]

No one can enter or leave Gaza.….. There’s been a 17 year blockade on the strip……. Maybe you live under a rock?

[@mizzury54]

She was not " banned". Her speech at the commencement was canceled. She can speak wherever else she wants to on campus.

[@jchan9761]

It is traditional for the valedictorian to speak. Imagine if a Jewish valedictorian was prevented from speaking up regarding the actions of Germany in WW2. The hypocrisy is astounding.

[@timothykassisieh9701]

Sounds like denial to me.

[@jjold9394]

This is America land 🇺🇸.. if you love your Country ( IRAN , JEW .. Etc …). that much .. find ways to go back to your Country.. We Americans .. don’t needs the people 1 head but have 2 hearts & 2 minds .. Go to your home town .. do what you like to do .. that good for all

[@MariamaDiallo-ii2jf]

Yes true but America should love America not Israel over Palestine

[@m.g.3021]

Being American (US) means you get to still love where you came from and be an American.

[@purplelove3666]

No offense,but this is probably not even your country ,are you native American? If you are not ,then be quiet

[@salehahmedbhuiyan3378]

Go ahead . we proud all of students who demand justice.

[@vel230]

Cancel the thing. Its not like a degree is worth much of a party these days.

[@Soapboxstomper]

The graduation ceremony is important and special for every studen who worked soo hard for sooo long and all the family who supported them! Nothing should alter a grad celebration!!❤

[@commonsense6611]

"It's just too dangerous for her," because she is also a social media influencer promoting antisemitic ideology and rhetoric, who also just happens to be smart and have a big smile. The right to a good education is different than the right to use that education to inspire non American values, to Americans, in an American society. She got what she went to the university for, an education. Considering the hundreds, if not thousands, or people who have given speeches at universities in the past, it takes a lot to be banned. Think about it. JUST SAYING...

[@Underratedmen]

The apartheid state of Israel should be abolished.

[@electricjoshaloo]

Apparently even Rabbis are antisemitic if they speak out about Isr@els barbarism and cruelty. Jews are the new N@zis.....sad but true.

[@IsmaelByrd]

No, all it takes is to anger the wrong group of people. She could have taken a dump on the bible wrapped in an American flag and they would have cheered her as an artist. Pointing out that our little pet project Israel is genociding a group of people... well, hold your horses buddy, that's unacceptable.

[@asiyadua9590]

All it takes is for the Z1onists to do what they do…. They in control of all of us,

[@IvanCruz-my8fy]

That's hostile

[@harveyjohnson7852]

Why aren't all these people catching a plane? To that country and going and protest in person for those 2 races, of people to work it out. Not over here. The fight is over there in that country. Where is this kind of support for black people here in this country? It's not.

[@SingVangelist]

American colleges and universities are filled with Muslim students from the Arab and larger Muslim countries around the world. Usually they are graduate students. They are highly sought-after because they pay full tuition cash on the barrel. The problem is that we Americans are asked to do a BDS movement against Israel but these foreign Muslim countries will not boycott American universities because they want the degrees the credentials and ultimately the money and the power that comes with that. The Muslim world shows zero solidarity with the Palestinians. And the students who are trying to be activists on behalf of Palestine are suckers. They're left holding the bag with zero support from their home countries. Just like we see in Gaza.

[@moeezawan2329]

Would you say we shouldn't have raised our voice against holocaust... If you think what you would do when holocaust was happening remember you're doing it right now.

[@mathieufaltys]

Here in the United States is the only place where we can make a difference. It makes no sense to go to our colony to complain. Joe Biden could end Israel's slaughter with a phone call if he wanted. This is not about two groups in the Middle East not being able to get along. This is a settler colonial project for the US and Europe to keep a foothold in the region. As Biden said, "If there wasn't an Israel, we would have to invent one."

[@jchan9761]

The fight may be over there but from over here, we send BILLIONS of $ of weapons.

[@SomeCanine]

Is the fight over there though? It seems to me that it's the United States' foreign funding that causes this entire conflict.

[@Ryanadam19]

No matter how educated one is, the ideology makes the difference....right decision USC

[@maxamed4yare]

And what’s her ideology. She didn’t even speak 🗣️ yet

[@Ryanadam19]

@maxamed4yare Hijab represents predigious, inequality, fanaticism, and superstisions.

[@Ryanadam19]

@maxamed4yare Thanks, what is the ideology behind hijab?!

[@maxamed4yare]

@@Ryanadam19 covering yourself. What’s the ideology behind not having hijab 🧕

[@Ryanadam19]

@maxamed4yare Freedom, equality, unity for humankind, love and respect for humankind regardless of religious differences. RELIGION must cause unity. Religion and science must agree otherwise it will lead to fanaticism and superstitions. Solution:LEARN AND TEACH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND SERVICE TO HUMANITY....

[@TheSusumu09]

Ms Asna, BME student at USC, it is better to focus on your major study. Go for master, follow your PhD and more. Still you are fresh and you have excellent future in the great USA. Your field of study Biomedical Engineering is exciting. Avoid argument on social media using your device and use the media to explain you study findings on bio. All the best.

[@ronleonard7015]

She’s obviously silenced now that she has been on multiple news outlets… so…

[@nephtys369]

No one ever expects the Streisand effect to themselves.

[@Kole61]

Wherever Islam, there is no peace.

[@energyatpenergy4050]

Wow looks like we’re not living in America. Imagine if it was someone else besides her. They would have place a red carpet. I think it is just fair to reward her hard work.

[@Input-vh7vu]

How do they cost her "valedotorians" if she is anti-israel and pro-hamas

[@iaf010]

TaBAA-sum ? 😂

[@faridakhan3951]

Those who don’t safe like that girl Sabrina should stay home and not come the world should not stop turning because cry wolf fear

[@asturiasceltic3183]

USC is not the world. It's private and they make their own world, which is a learning UTOPIA free of racism

[@RollerBladingSuxs]

All Jewish people stand behind her.

[@Gravesend83]

That's like chickens standing for Popeyes lmfao

[@Born_X_Raised_LA]

Speak for yourself 🤡

[@laryjohnson5736]

as far as possible.

[@gbonkers666]

Well, they are not going to stand in front of her....

[@jacqueslee2592]

The Israeli-Palestenian conflict just as the Ukrainian and Russian conflict and the Armenian genocide are issues that do not concern the people of this hemisphere. Those are conflicts in the other side of the world and a history that is not part of the history of this hemisphere.

[@Aisha-eu9hv]

America is directly funding the genocide of Palestinians overseas, so yes, it is a part of our history and legacy.

[@HELLWARS101]

Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East,.

[@HELLWARS101]

@@Aisha-eu9hv Genocide? I saw that Genocide another day, how they all were seating on the beautiful beach having fun on the sun and in the ocean. I also saw their huge market full of groceries. How much did you get paid to spread lies and propaganda ?

[@mathieufaltys]

This is Biden's war. Without us there would be no Israel. We have dominated the region since the fall of the Ottoman Empire after WWI. There is no way to understand the history over there without understanding the role of the US and Europe. Netanyahu grew up in a Philadelphia suburb.

[@jchan9761]

Why are we sending billions then?

[@user-fh4nw6ct9y]

Protestors? More like Supporters of Oct. 7 massacre

[@buddychung3323]

I don’t usually degree with USC but this time I totally support their decision. Hate speech shouldn’t be given a platform.

[@yaakcon]

Where is the hate speech? Have you seen her speech? When did she deliver the speech?

[@GottiGotti-pg7yu]

Stand with USC taking SAFTEY MEASURES we should support USC decision. Stop with all the rhetoric.

[@shotjohnny]

Why don't you stop your rhetoric? 13,000+ INNOCENT Palestinian children have died since the beginning of the bombings. But hey, as long it's not one of yours, right?

[@mathieufaltys]

Do you really believe the Zionists who would be upset with the Valedictorian speaking would commit a terrorist act at the ceremony? I guess this is why powerful people dish out BS. There are people willing to eat it.

[@mt9085]

USC accommodated Ben Shapiro and Obama lately but not her due safety measures? Yeah right

[@Born_X_Raised_LA]

@@shotjohnny But you vote for Hamas next election right?

[@biniyammulugeta-uf1sv]

Why was hamas elected and how? Do you know ?have you tried to find out in detail or you just like to say that because it fits your narrative?​@@Born_X_Raised_LA

[@ranaemens4971]

Of course they r protesting bc it’s not fair and reflects poorly on all the students as well

[@victor77777771]

She should give her speech in Gaza

[@shotjohnny]

She can't. Guess why.

[@asiyadua9590]

There has been 17 year blockade on the Gaza strip… that’s what the war is for…. I think everyone in the comments telling her to go to Gaza lives under a Z1onists rock.

[@famousmortimer7933]

Stay mad

[@raminm.8785]

USC Administration only made this decision due to donor pressure! Reinstate her speech!

[@asiyadua9590]

Yes so many universities in US clearly controlled by “THEM”!

[@SAhmed-ih6fk]

Where were muslims committed to Jewish rights in the last 1,400 years??????

[@user-ky3pc2zd7e]

I really don't understand these people. USC won't let her speak. Big deal. After graduation she will move on and do other things. This will all be forgotten in a month. Enjoy your 15 mins. of fame. But one thing I can tell you. I've seen this time and time again. You go out and publicly spill hatred toward something popular at the time, you can expect threats and concerns for your safety. And a persons history can haunt them. Play around and find out.

[@vel230]

No she won't. Hating Israel is all she has.

[@smsmsm9032]

No hate to america speeche

[@moeezawan2329]

@@smsmsm9032 America is not Israel Free America from Israel. We have been their slaves for way too long.

[@mathieufaltys]

You are a fool if you think this is anything less then USC's rich Zionist donors wanting to silence criticism of Israel, or at the very least USC's aversion to offending those donors. This Zionist McCarthyism has been happening at Universities for decades but is only now being challenged because of the heightened awareness of Israel's criminal behavior. Just try to find a single official criticism of Israel's slaughter of Gaza from the administration of one of these elite universities.

[@jchan9761]

Do we live in a democracy - yes or no. Israel is an apartheid regime (if you have any doubt, look at forcible removal of palestinisans at gunpoint by IDF and settlers) and we are funding it. If you think building condos on native american reservations is evil, then you should understand the anger towards Israel.

[@jaimebravo4789]

Go protest in your country an see what happens to you and others

[@Planet_Xplorer]

They are protesting in their country. What's your country?

[@skrmacs4815]

are you living in a bubble. the planet is protesting.

[@BrianYochem]

lol these goobers still wearing masks

[@t0d1ff]

FREE PALESTINE ❤

[@vel230]

Free Palestine from Hamas and idiots.

[@vel230]

Take the masks off, cowards. Afraid you won't get the cushy job?

[@Idontlikethisever]

Islam knows no freedom

[@asturiasceltic3183]

@@vel230 LOL.. I never thought of that.

[@montanamanculich7188]

ALLAHU AKBAR 🇮🇱

[@copyprint-fz2hb]

BIO weapons major , and training to be a radical

[@sjmuhammad19]

You just made that up. That's not at all what her major is.

[@sjmuhammad19]

Do you feel the same way about the US using bio weapons?

[@copyprint-fz2hb]

@@sjmuhammad19 NO , were not being groomed to be a terrorist

[@copyprint-fz2hb]

@@sjmuhammad19 YES it is , BIO Tech and Middle east studies , DO THE F-en MATH

[@worldnewsvideos]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@smsmsm9032]

Cry

[@bialikma]

All of them can go study in Iran. In America people stand with Israel.

[@lkarlton5613]

Racism 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

[@danielkim7841]

NO! Asna is the racist one. She hates Jews and the state of Israel!!!

[@yep5166]

Palestine has fallen and it was beautiful

[@jaimebravo4789]

Again you are a protester and you are not in a position to demand USC to apologize so get over it

[@Buy_YouTube_Views_Gain_Fame301]

You've covered this topic comprehensively.

[@bonerisms]

I'm ex muslim still living in the mediterranean area, for students they sure are myopic by focusing only on gaza ,,, where are these students when the turks genocide the kurds, or whats taking place in sudan, or the russian/ assad civil war, or when they talk gaza they conveniently leave out hamas / daesh, who are similar to the islamic brotherhood who propagates jihad. Where are they as the iranian mullahs and their guards are imprisoning and killing their citizens for freedom. When she says she is committed to all religions, then she would address the whole area, instead she follows al jazeeras narrative on ignoring everything except gaza, which hamas picked the battle and the battlefield.