LogFAQs > #979945242

gigageek1500 posted...

NPR had a little more context for this. Tabassum had posted on social media about Palestine, and a student group "Trojans (the USC mascot) for Israel" objected. USC claims that that objection grew beyond the college but is very unclear about how that relates to safety.

Yeah i looked this up after i saw your post and she did more than that.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/16/usc-valedictorian-speech-palestine

At the top of Tabassums Instagram account, a link directs users to a slideshow encouraging readers to learn about whats happening in Palestine and how to help. The presentation also advocates for one Palestinian state, saying that would mean Palestinian liberation and the complete abolishment of the state of Israel.
Although Tabassum told NBCs Los Angeles affiliate that she posted the link five years earlier and did not author the slideshow, pro-Israel and Jewish groups objected to USCs selection of her as valedictorian based on her social media activity.
One group in particular, Trojans for Israel, said it strongly supports the right to free expression including informed criticism of the Israeli government. However, rhetoric that denies the right of the Jewish people to self-determination or calls for the destruction of the only Jewish state in the world must be denounced as antisemitic bigotry.
The group added: All eligible valedictory candidates have valuable work ethic and accomplishments, but the university chose a candidate who publicly propagates antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric as the most esteemed representative of the class of 2024.

So essentially its a compromise. As they tried to disqualify her all together the university just revoked her being able to do a speech instead.

I dont agree with their contrived statement about it but i do agree with the decision. She also seems a little disingenuous about this as well.