CAIR-LA Petition to Reinstate USC Muslim Student’s Valedictorian Speech Tops 38K Signatures

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today announced that its recent petition calling for the University of Southern California (USC) to reinstate Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s valedictorian speech has received more than 38,000 signatures in less than 48 hours.  

SEE: CAIR-LA Demands USC Reverse ‘Cowardly Decision’ To Cancel Muslim Valedictorian’s Speech in Response to Anti-Palestinian Hate 

In response to Tabassum receiving a wave of hate online for supporting Palestine, USC released a statement on Monday announcing that the school would be canceling Tabassum’s valedictorian speech in the interest of maintaining the “safety of our campus and students.” 

This decision reportedly marks the first time in USC history that the valedictorian will not speak at the commencement ceremony. 

SEE: NBC Nightly News Interviews CAIR-LA Director About Cancelation of Muslim USC Valedictorian’s Speech (Video)

AP: Citing safety, USC makes rare cancellation of speech by valedictorian who supported Palestinians

Reuters: University of Southern California cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing security concerns

CAIR-LA’s petition calls on USC to reverse its decision to cancel Tabassum’s valedictorian speech and to resist caving into anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate.  

In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said: 

“The overwhelming response in support of Asna is truly inspiring. Our community is using its collective voice to push back against USC’s cowardly decision to cancel her 2024 valedictorian speech and to demand that the university take immediate action to right its wrong. We call on the school to take a stand against anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hate and create a safe environment on its campus—not just for Asna, but for all its students.

“Asna’s strength and courage are admirable, and we fully support her as she continues to speak out against injustice and stands up for human rights for all.” 

CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.  

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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851, eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Madi Morse-Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com