Following some controversy related to students protesting Israel’s war against Hamas terrorists, the University of Southern California announced the cancellation of its main stage graduation ceremony.
university Posted Graduation plans were updated on the website Thursday.
“New safety measures in place this year will significantly increase the amount of time needed to accommodate the large number of guests coming to campus. “We will not be able to hold a main stage ceremony where our students and friends will be on our campus at the same time,” the statement read in part.
The statement went on to say that authorities are planning additional celebrations and activities to make up for the canceled ceremonies.
USC officials faced harsh criticism After valedictorian Asna Tabassum canceled her valedictorian speech after she publicly expressed support for the Palestinian cause. They said safety concerns led to the decision to avoid potential violence or harassment.
On Wednesday, about 90 protesters were arrested after large demonstrations at the University of Southern California, including “occupying” the University of Southern California’s Alumni Park before police moved in.
University of Southern California President Andrew Guzman said in a statement that the protesters’ actions have led to “vandalism, defacement of campus buildings and structures, and even physical confrontations that threaten the safety of employees and the campus community.” It escalated to that point.”
He went on to claim that tents and other encampments are prohibited on campus and that authorities have repeatedly asked protesters to follow the rules. Guzman said many of the protesters were not students attending the university.
Demonstrators demanded that USC divest from investments in companies that benefit Israel as a way to protest the country’s military action targeting terrorist members who planned the heinous October 7 massacre. .
Student protests against Israel have erupted in many schools and universities across the country, with mixed results. More than 150 protesters were arrested by the New York City Police Department on Monday as they tried to set up an encampment on New York University’s campus to pressure officials.
Some point out that students whose graduation ceremonies have been canceled are likely to have had their high school graduation ceremonies canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Here is a news video about this decision:
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