The University of Southern California (USC) has decided to cancel its main stage commencement ceremony for 2024 graduates due to ongoing anti-Israel protests that have forced the shutdown of its campus.
In a statement on its website, USC cited the implementation of new safety measures, which would significantly increase the time needed to process the large number of guests arriving on campus.
Consequently, the university concluded that hosting the traditional main stage ceremony, which typically accommodates 65,000 attendees in a short window from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., would not be feasible.
While the main stage ceremony has been canceled, individual school commencement ceremonies, doctoral hooding ceremonies, and other celebratory activities will proceed between May 8-11.
However, attendees are advised to allow extra time for travel due to heightened security measures, including the requirement to show tickets for access to the USC campus and mandatory bag screenings following a clear bag policy.
The decision to cancel the main stage commencement ceremony has sparked criticism on social media platforms. Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin expressed sympathy for the class of ’24, many of whom missed out on a traditional high school graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
USC’s move was denounced by Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen, who advocated for holding the graduation ceremony and arresting anyone who disrupts it. Similarly, Rep. Rudy Yakym of Indiana condemned the situation, emphasizing that graduation celebrations should not be disrupted by protests.
The cancellation comes in the wake of USC’s decision to close its campus “until further notice” 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 comply with the university’s request to vacate the premises, resulting in multiple arrests, mostly for trespassing violations.
Earlier this month, USC faced criticism for barring its valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, from delivering a commencement speech due to safety concerns arising from her alleged promotion of anti-Israel rhetoric on social media. USC Provost Andrew T. Guzman defended the decision, stating that it was made to ensure campus security and safety.
Anti-Israel protests have been occurring on college campuses across the United States, leading to disruptions and tensions with authorities. Columbia University in New York City recently announced the transition to virtual classes for the remainder of the semester amid escalating anti-Israel protests on campus.
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