STORY: New safety measures in place this year, such as additional screening procedures, will increase the processing time for guests "substantially," according to an update on USC's website. "As a result, we will not be able to host the main stage ceremony that traditionally brings 65,000 students, families, and friends to our campus all at the same time," the update said, adding that other related events will go ahead as planned.
USC student Jaden Ackerman said she did not think the university handled the situation properly. "I think that they offended many different groups in the way that they handled this. They weren't very clear at any point, with what the exact security concerns were."
William Kimber expressed sympathy for all the graduands, especially since many would have missed their high school ceremonies in 2020 due to the pandemic. Juan Pablo Wilson said he luckily did have his high school graduation, but added "to see the main commencement go is just a big shock."
The Israel-Gaza war has sparked tensions on U.S. college campuses and inspired a wave of students to erect protest encampments at universities across the country in recent days. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested, including more than 90 at USC on Wednesday.
Rights groups have viewed the arrests with concern as a free speech issue, while university officials have said the protests have been unauthorized.
