USC cancels main commencement, citing safety measures

Japan Today— The University of Southern California (USC) said on Thursday it has called off its main-stage graduation ceremony this year, one week after canceling the valedictorian speech by a Muslim student who said she was silenced by anti-Palestinian hatred. New safety measures in place this year, such as additional screening procedures,

Los Angeles Times—USC says it is canceling its 'main stage' commencement ceremony. 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...

The Guardian—USC cancels main commencement ceremony amid Gaza protests. Move made after more than 90 demonstrators arrested on campus and university cancels pro-Palestinian valedictorian’s speechThe University of Southern California (USC) has canceled its main stage graduation ceremony, citing new safety measures as student protests over the Israel-Gaza war have surged on the campus.USC is one of many campuses across the country that have become hubs for student demonstrations against the war, with hundreds of arrests nationwide as tensions escalate. Police arrested...

Honolulu Star-Advertiser—USC cancels main commencement ceremony amid Gaza war protests. The University of Southern California canceled its main graduation ceremony Thursday and hundreds of college students were arrested at other campuses nationwide as protests against the Israel-Hamas war continued to spread.