USC to ‘release’ outside speakers, honorees from commencement

The decision comes amid widespread and sustained backlash for USC’s unprecedented decision Monday to cancel Valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s address.

By JONATHAN PARK

There will be no commencement speakers or outside honorees at the main stage Class of 2024 commencement ceremony, the University announced Friday.

“Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony,” the statement read. “We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.”

Redesigning the ceremony would “keep the focus on our graduates,” the statement read.

The decision comes amid widespread and sustained backlash for USC’s unprecedented decision Monday to cancel Valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s address.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.


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