We previously wrote about the University of Southern California calling off all guest speakers for its 2024 commencement ceremony after controversy erupted over the scheduled (then canceled) speech by the antisemitic valedictorian to graduates, with the provost explaining that “[t]he intensity of feelings,” and mounting criticism from people “out of USC”–along with “the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” had made putting on the speeches untenable. They were worried about “security,” and the possibility of “disruption.”
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Read: USC Calls Off All 2024 Commencement Speakers After Canceling Speech by Antisemitic Valedictorian
That wasn’t the end of the story, though. As we’ve seen, pro-Hamas protests and encampments have sprung up on college campuses across the U.S., including at Columbia, Harvard, and the Univerity of Texas, Austin, in the wake of the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. USC has been swept up in that conflagration, too–and it’s left the administration to take extreme measures to keep everyone safe:
🧑🎓 🚨 BREAKING: USC has decided to cancel their entire 65,000 person main stage commencement ceremony in light of recent turmoil on campus, likely in anticipation of additional disruption and violence. They are also requiring tickets for all smaller graduation events & limiting… pic.twitter.com/YMinYzGJaW
— Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD (@houmanhemmati) April 25, 2024
Read more: Hilarity Ensues After Sprinklers Go Off Overnight at Harvard ‘Gaza Solidarity’ Encampment
Insanity: This Is How Columbia Administrators Are ‘Policing’ the Pro-Hamas Student Encampment
WATCH: Texas DPS Shows Up at a Pro-Hamas ‘Encampment,’ and Beautiful Chaos Follows
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via the AP:
The University of Southern California canceled its main stage graduation ceremony Thursday as college officials across the U.S. worried that ongoing campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war could disrupt May commencement ceremonies.
Some universities called in police to break up the demonstrations, resulting in ugly scuffles and dozens of arrests, while others appeared content to wait out student protests as the final days of the semester ticked down.
USC announced the cancellation of the May 10 ceremony a day after more than 90 protesters were arrested on campus. The university says it will still host dozens of commencement events, including all the traditional individual school commencement ceremonies where students cross a stage and receive their diplomas.
In a statement released on Thursday, the university said:
“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,”
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The arrests on Wednesday were on several charges, including alleged trespassing, with one protester being charged with alleged assault with a deadly weapon.
The protests and lawlessness aren’t confined to just USC’s campus, though, in the area. In nearby Arcata, an ongoing barricade situation continues for a third day at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, according to authorities. AP reported that the administration was forced to close the campus and provide virtual learning because of safety concerns.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as they become available
