Amid pro-Hamas demonstrations on campus and in the wake of controversy over the valedictorian address, the University of Southern California said Thursday it will not hold its main graduation ceremony.
“With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially,” USC wrote in an announcement. “As a result, we will not be able to host the main stage ceremony that traditionally brings 65,000 students, families, and friends to our campus all at the same time and during a short window from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.”
Details regarding new commencement plans will be posted by April 30.
USC announced Thursday that it is canceling its main May commencement ceremony, capping a dramatic series of moves that began last week after it informed valedictorian Asna Tabassum, who had been opposed by pro-Israel groups, that she would not be delivering the traditional speech.
In ending the university-wide May 10 graduation ceremony altogether, President Carol Folt aimed to quell the controversy that grew as the school chipped away at core parts of the ritual, drawing criticism from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activists.
The cancellation took place amid unrest on university campuses across the nation stemming from the Israel-Hamas war. On Wednesday at a pro-Palestinian encampment at USC, 93 students and off-campus activists were arrested. […]
Since citing unspecified security threats as the reason for canceling Tabassum’s speech, USC has seen a series of on-campus protests, including this week’s pro-Palestinian encampment.
University officials had followed their cancellation of Tabassum’s speech by calling off a speech by film director Jon M. Chu and appearances on the main stage by honorary doctorate recipients, including tennis legend Billie Jean King, saying they wanted to “keep the focus on our graduates.” (LA Times)
“We understand that this is disappointing; however, we are adding many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely USC, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the celebratory releasing of the doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band,” the statement from USC added.
Seniors sounded off on the decision, noting that they never got a proper high school graduation either because of the pandemic.
A USC graduate missed her high school graduation because of COVID lockdowns. Now she’s missing her college graduation because of pro-Hamas protests. pic.twitter.com/rTLzJ9c3Wu
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 26, 2024