USC Scraps Main Commencement Ceremony Amid Anti-Israel Protests

The University of Southern California (USC) has canceled its main stage commencement ceremony for 2024 graduates due to safety concerns stemming from ongoing anti-Israel protests that have disrupted campus activities.

Wednesday's protest, organized by the "Gaza Solidarity Occupation," involved a group of agitators refusing to comply with university requests to leave the area. Captain Kelly Muniz of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that most of the 93 arrests made were for trespassing violations, although one altercation resulted in an arrest for assault with a deadly weapon.

USC announced on Thursday the cancellation of its main stage commencement ceremony due to heightened security measures necessary to manage the large number of guests expected on campus. The university stated that the traditional ceremony, which typically brings together 65,000 individuals, would be impractical to host safely under the current circumstances.

Despite the cancellation of the main stage ceremony, individual school commencement ceremonies, doctoral hooding ceremonies, and other celebrations will still be held between May 8-11. However, students and their families are advised to allocate additional time for security screenings at these events.

To ensure campus safety, USC has implemented a series of security measures. Attendees will now be required to present tickets for campus access, and both individuals and their belongings will undergo thorough screening. Additionally, a clear bag policy will be enforced.

The decision to cancel the main stage commencement ceremony has drawn criticism from various commentators. Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin expressed sympathy for the graduating class, stating that many had already missed their high school graduations due to COVID-19 and would now be deprived of a traditional college graduation.

Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen urged USC to "have the graduation and arrest anyone who disrupts it." Similarly, Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Ind., condemned the disruption caused by "pro-Hamas 'protesters'" and called for their apprehension. Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., characterized the situation as "beyond unacceptable."

USC has faced criticism for both handling the anti-Israel protests and its decision to bar Asna Tabassum, the Muslim valedictorian, from speaking at the commencement ceremony. The university has maintained that its priority is campus safety and that it is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.

Anti-Israel protests have erupted on college campuses across the country, often resulting in encampments and escalating tensions with authorities. Columbia University in New York City has moved classes virtual for the remainder of the semester due to rampant anti-Israel protests.

USC has commissioned an independent investigation into the events surrounding the anti-Israel protests and the decision to cancel the main stage commencement ceremony. The university seeks to ensure transparency and accountability in its handling of the situation.