Universities should defend students’ right to free speech, not aid their repression

Biden must listen to the voices of the largest student movement America has seen in decades – and take seriously their demands to cut aid to Israel. — AFP

IN mid-April, the University of Southern California banned the school valedictorian from giving a commencement address for the first time in its history, following a pressure campaign by outside pro-Israel groups.

The university cited unspecified “security” risks. But valedictorian Asna Tabassum has said she believes it had something to do with the fact that she’s Muslim and has a minor in “resistance to genocide.” The administration apparently feared Tabassum would reference Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. Rather than let her speak, officials silenced her.