University of Southern California cancels director Jon M. Chu’s speech amid valedictorian row over Israel-Gaza war
- USC said it was ‘redesigning’ the entire commencement programme days after the school decided to disallow valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech at the May 10 event
- Chu is a 2003 graduate of the university who has since directed films like Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked
The University of Southern California further shook up its commencement plans on Friday, announcing the cancellation of a keynote speech by filmmaker Jon M. Chu just days after making the controversial choice to disallow the student valedictorian from speaking.
The university’s decision was met with praise from pro-Israel organisations but condemnation from free speech groups and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Students and faculty marched across campus on Thursday in silent protest of the university’s decision.
Now, university officials say they are “redesigning” the entire commencement programme.
“Given the highly publicised circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement programme, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony,” the university said in an unsigned statement posted on Friday.
“We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.”
