USC Graduation Main stage ceremony canceled after protests
Topline:
The University of Southern California on Thursday announced that it was canceling the main stage graduation ceremony, citing new safety measures in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests a day earlier in which more than 90 people were arrested.
Why it matters: The ceremony typically attracts more than 60,000 family members and friends to see their loved ones graduate. The USC ceremony was scheduled for May 10.
Why now: On Wednesday, more than 90 people were arrested for failing to disperse from a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Alumni Park. USC has also faced heavy criticism for canceling valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech amid criticism from some student groups, including Trojans for Israel, for what they described as her “anti-Zionist rhetoric” and external online sites she had linked to on her Instagram profile.
What's next: In the wake of Wednesday's protest, police patrols will continue through at least this weekend on campus, which is only open to those with a USC ID or people with verifiable business there. The school also announced new safety measures for commencement ceremonies.
https://laist.com/brief/news/education/usc-cancels-main-stage-graduation-ceremony-in-wake-of-pro-palestinian-protest-dozens-of-arrests
