The University of Southern California has announced that its valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, will not be delivering her graduation speech. This is over "substantial risks relating to security" arising from discussions surrounding her selection, which took on a contentious tone. The university received several complaints about Tabassum's social media activity, as there is a link to a pro-Palestine website in her Instagram bio. "The intensity of feelings, fueled by both social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to include many voices outside of USC and has escalated to the point of creating substantial risks relating to security and disruption at commencement," said Provost Andrew Guzman in a statement. Tabassum issued a statement condemning the racist hatred directed towards her and criticized the university's decision. "Although this should have been a time of celebration for my family, friends, professors, and classmates, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices have subjected me to a campaign of racist hatred because of my uncompromising belief in human rights for all," said Tabassum. USC is facing backlash for its decision to not let its valedictorian speak.