USC Cancels Graduation Amid Protests

By Hamodia Staff

The University of Southern California (USC) stirred controversy by announcing the cancellation of its main stage commencement ceremony for 2024 graduates, citing safety concerns amid anti-Israel protests that have disrupted campus activities.

In a statement on its website, the USC explained that the heightened safety measures necessitated more time to process the influx of guests, making it unfeasible to host the traditional ceremony that typically accommodates 65,000 attendees within a limited timeframe. While individual school commencement ceremonies and other celebratory events will still proceed from May 8-11, attendees are advised to allocate additional time for security screenings and entry procedures, including a clear bag policy and ticket verification.

The decision to scrap the main stage commencement ceremony sparked criticism on social media, with many expressing disappointment and frustration, particularly for the graduating class of 2024, who may have missed out on high school graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some commentators called for the event to proceed as planned, advocating for law enforcement intervention to prevent disruptions. Elected officials, including Representatives Rudy Yakym and Mark Alford, denounced the protests as unacceptable and lamented the impact on students, families, and university traditions.

The cancellation comes in the wake of USC’s prolonged campus closure following a large anti-Israel protest that led to 93 arrests. The Los Angeles Police Department intervened after demonstrators from the Gaza Solidarity Occupation refused to vacate the area as requested by the university. While most arrests were for trespassing violations, one altercation resulted in an arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. The ongoing tensions reflect broader societal divisions and challenges surrounding freedom of expression, campus security, and responses to geopolitical conflicts.

The situation at USC echoes similar protests and disruptions occurring on college campuses nationwide, with recent anti-Israel demonstrations prompting Columbia University in New York City to transition to virtual classes for the remainder of the semester.