5 stories you need to read this week [4/19]
From USC canceling their valedictorian's speech, to the US vetoing a UN resolution for Palestinian statehood, here are 5 stories you need to read this week.
USC cancels valedictorian's graduation speech amid safety concerns over pro-Palestinian post
The University of Southern California is canceling the graduation speech of their Muslim and South Asian valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, citing safety concerns based on emails from people warning to disrupt the commencement. Critics say the threats are a response to Tabassum posting pro-Palestinian content on her social media, which they say is considered “antisemitic.”
“I am both shocked by this decision and profoundly disappointed that the university is succumbing to a campaign of hate meant to silence my voice,” Tabassum said. “There remain serious doubts about whether U.S.C.’s decision to revoke my invitation to speak is made solely on the basis of safety.”
US blocks Palestinian push for full UN membership at Security Council
The U.S. vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council that would have paved the way for the state of Palestine to get full UN membership. Twelve other countries voted in favor while Britain and Switzerland abstained. After vetoing the measure, the US deputy envoy to the UN, Robert Wood, said Washington believes there is no other path to Palestinian statehood than through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
“We also have long been clear that premature actions here in New York, even with the best intentions, will not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people,” Wood said.
Caitlin Clark's WNBA salary showcases wage gap in pro sports
Basketball icon Caitlin Clark, who was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft, will have a starting yearly salary of a mere $78,000 while making over $338,000 over the next four years, compared to the NBA’s first overall pick Victor Wembanyama who made $12 million his first year in the league. Although Clark has more financial opportunities with sponsorship and advertisements, her salary illustrates the monumental pay disparities between men’s and women’s professional sports.
U.S. deports about 50 Haitians to nation hit with gang violence, ending monthslong pause in flights
The Biden administration deported 50 Haitians back to their country after they fled the island nation due to surging gang violence, marking the first deportation trip of its kind. Over 33,000 people have fled Haiti’s capital because of rising gang violence, forcing people to the nation’s south or neighboring countries.
The Homeland Security Department said in a statement that it “will continue to enforce U.S. laws and policy throughout the Florida Straits and the Caribbean region, as well as at the southwest border. U.S. policy is to return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.”
Man sets himself on fire outside courthouse where Trump is on trial
A man set himself on fire outside the Manhattan courthouse today where former President Donald Trump was standing trial on criminal charges for falsifying business records. The man was standing in a designated protest area outside the court before setting himself ablaze. Police officers and officials ran toward him and someone used a fire extinguisher to try to put out the fire. The incident happened around the time the jury was fully empaneled — with 12 jurors and six alternates selected to sit for a trial that's expected to last about six weeks. His current condition is unknown.
(Photos from Canva)