USC cancels main commencement ceremony after protests, arrests
The University of Southern California said on Thursday that it will cancel its main stage commencement ceremony after nearly 100 people were arrested on campus during a pro-Palestinian protest.
Why it matters: USC is the first known major university to cancel a graduation ceremony over the demonstrations, potentially opening the door for other schools with campus protests to follow suit.
- University administrations and police have cracked down on protests, encampments and sit-ins at college campuses across the country.
Catch up quick: 93 people were arrested on Wednesday night by the Los Angeles Police Department for trespassing.
- No injuries were reported.
Driving the news: The university's decision stems from the additional safety measures in place this year, it said in a statement.
- The main ceremony usually brings 65,000 people to USC's campus.
- Individual school commencements, doctoral hooding ceremonies, special celebrations and departmental receptions will still be held from May 8-11.
State of play: USC canceled its valedictorian's commencement speech earlier this month, citing safety concerns related to the Israel-Hamas war.
- Asna Tabassum, USC's class of 2024 valedictorian, said the move was the result of an anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian "campaign of racist hatred."
Zoom out: Students at universities across the U.S. have organized encampments and demonstrations over the war in Gaza.
- Many are calling for their schools' divestment in companies with ties to Israel.
- After Columbia leadership testified to a GOP-led congressional committee last week, university president Minouche Shafik called on the New York Police Department to remove protestors from the campus.
- The arrest of more than 100 people at Columbia catalyzed solidarity protests and encampments at other universities.
Go deeper: USC cancels Pro-Palestinian valedictorian's speech over safety concerns
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details.