The University of Southern California cancelled an upcoming speech from valedictorian Asna Tabassum, a Muslim who has posted and liked anti-Israel comments in her recent past. USC Provost Andrew Guzman announced the cancellation, explaining the speech would cause safety issues.
Tabassum released a statement, through the antisemitic organization CAIR, complaining “anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian” bias caused the cancellation.
Tabassum was chosen by USC to be valedictorian, among around 100 other candidates.
David Rubin, former mayor of Shiloh, Israel, has been watching the events in Southern California. He joins us now.
Q&A:
1. Why do you suppose USC chose Tabassum when a quick look at her Instagram exposes the antisemitism?
2. Do you think they did the right thing cancelling her speech?
3. Is this a free speech issue?
4. Is it really a safety issue – as stated – or is USC recognizing now is not the time to promote a speech from someone who is anti-Israel?
5. Do you expect the cancellation to cause more issues on campus for USC?
6. Why are we seeing so much antisemitism on college campuses?
About David Rubin:
David Rubin, former Mayor of Shiloh, Israel, has authored seven books, including “Confronting Radicals: What America Can Learn from Israel,” which has been adapted into a film. Following a terror attack that injured him and his young son, Rubin founded the Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, dedicating his efforts to aiding child victims of terrorism.
CONTACT:
For bookings and further inquiries, please contact Jerry McGlothlin at 919-437-0001 or geraldmcg@outlook.com.
Where to see some of Tabassum’s posts: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5j8ajcpzQw/?hl=en&img_index=4
