The University of Southern California recently made the decision to cancel its main graduation ceremony due to ongoing protests against the Israel-Hamas war that have spread to dozens of college campuses across the nation. This move has sparked concerns among college officials that the protests may disrupt plans for commencement ceremonies scheduled for next month.
As tensions continue to rise, some universities have resorted to calling in police to break up demonstrations, leading to scuffles and arrests. In contrast, others are attempting to negotiate with protesters in order to find a peaceful resolution.
Students participating in the protests are demanding that schools sever financial ties with Israel and divest from companies that are seen as enabling the conflict. The demonstrations have also raised concerns among Jewish students about the presence of antisemitism on campus.
At USC, a commencement speech by a pro-Palestinian valedictorian was canceled, and additional arrangements were made for other commencement events in response to the protests. Arrests have been made at several universities, including Indiana University, City College of New York, and the University of Connecticut. At Emerson College in Boston, over 100 individuals were arrested during an overnight protest.
Reports of demonstrations and clashes with police have also emerged from various other campuses, such as Emory University and the University of Texas at Austin. Meanwhile, colleges like Harvard and Northwestern are deliberating on how to address protests and encampments set up by students.
In response to complaints of antisemitism or Islamophobia on campuses facing protests, the U.S. Education Department has launched civil rights investigations to ensure that all students are able to express their opinions in a safe and respectful manner. U.S. Secretary of Education has emphasized the importance of embracing student voices while condemning hate, discrimination, and violence.
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