USC Cancels Main Graduation Ceremony Amid Growing Student Protests

The University of Southern California canceled its main stage graduation ceremony Thursday under new safety measures being taken as the campus is roiled by protests stemming from the Israel-Hamas war.

The university announced the move Thursday, the day after more than 90 protesters were arrested on campus. Colleges around the country have called in police to break up demonstrations, resulting in ugly scuffles and dozens of arrests.

The USC ceremony was scheduled for May 10. 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.

The university already canceled a planned commencement speech by the school’s pro-Palestinian valedictorian, citing safety concerns.

“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 university said in a statement Thursday.

The Los Angeles Police Department said more than 90 people were arrested Wednesday night during a protest on the campus for alleged trespassing. One person was arrested for alleged assault with a deadly weapon.

At Emerson College in Boston, 108 people were arrested overnight at an alleyway encampment. Another 93 people were arrested during a Wednesday night protest at the University of Southern California. And new encampments and protests continued to pop up at campuses across the country.

Although many students will soon leave for the summer