The University of Southern California (USC) faced backlash after announcing the cancelation of its main graduation ceremony due to safety concerns amid pro-Palestinian protests on campus. This decision followed the cancelation of Asna Tabassum’s valedictory address, with some speculating it was due to her support of Palestinians. USC is one of many colleges experiencing protests against the Israel-Hamas war, resulting in police interventions and arrests. The university reported that 93 people were arrested during protests on campus, leading to the cancelation of the commencement ceremony, which drew criticism from many on social media platforms.
In response to the cancellation, USC cited new safety measures that would require more time to process guests, preventing the hosting of the main stage ceremony that traditionally accommodates 65,000 attendees. The university assured that alternative activities and celebrations would be organized to make the commencement academically meaningful and memorable for students and their families. However, critics accused the university of caving in to the demands of demonstrators and allowing pro-Hamas activities to disrupt the graduation ceremony. Politicians and commentators expressed outrage over the situation, with some claiming that USC had given power to protesters and failed to ensure the safety of their students.
While some condemned USC for canceling the commencement ceremony and preventing Tabassum from speaking, others expressed sympathy for the students who would miss out on traditional graduation experiences. Critics highlighted the impact on the class of 2024, who may have missed out on high school graduations during the COVID-19 pandemic and now face an unconventional college graduation. Despite the criticism, there were individuals who expressed sadness over the situation and emphasized the challenges faced by students who had started college remotely during a pandemic and would now be missing out on a graduation ceremony.
The decision by USC to cancel the commencement ceremony sparked a debate on social media, with users expressing a range of opinions on the situation. Some criticized the university for allowing protests to disrupt traditional events and infringe on the rights of students. Others questioned the impact of canceling the graduation ceremony on the student experience and lamented the missed opportunities for students to celebrate their accomplishments. The incident highlighted the tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the challenges faced by universities in managing protests and ensuring the safety of their communities while upholding academic traditions and values.
