The University of Southern California announced that its campus would remain closed “until further notice” following a large anti-Israel protest that resulted in the arrest of 93 individuals. The protest, called the “Gaza Solidarity Occupation,” began on Wednesday morning and was one of many such demonstrations taking place on college campuses across America. The Los Angeles Police Department was called to campus after protesters refused to leave the area, leading to clashes with campus police and ultimately resulting in the arrests. The university announced that the protest was declared over but campus closure would continue until further notice to control the situation.
During the protest, there was an altercation that resulted in one arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. The details of the incident were not disclosed, and it was not specified if anyone was injured during the demonstration. The protesters, who were asked to remove their tents and prohibited items and relocate to a compliant location, refused to do so, leading to the intervention of the LAPD. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the protesters’ actions had escalated to include vandalism, defacement of campus buildings, and physical confrontation that threatened the safety of officers and the campus community. The decision to close the gates to unauthorized visitors was made in an effort to restrict the growth of the protest and maintain calm on the rest of the campus.
Despite supporting freedom of expression, the university has established policies regarding the time, place, and manner of free expression on campus. These policies include restrictions on erecting tents, using loudspeakers, signs on poles, disrupting classes, and essential functions of the university. The protest outside the Doheny Library involved many people who were not affiliated with the university. Security repeatedly asked the protesters to remove their tents and relocate to a compliant location, but they refused, leading to the involvement of the LAPD. The closure of the gates to campus only affects unauthorized visitors, while students, staff, and others with proper USC identification are allowed to enter.
In a letter to the campus community, USC Provost Andrew Guzman emphasized the importance of respecting each other and ensuring the safety of all community members. He condemned hateful speech that causes harm to others and called on the Trojan Family to treat each other with kindness and care. The university reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty, and staff, while also upholding the principles of freedom of expression. The closure of the campus until further notice was intended to prevent further escalation of the protest and ensure the safety and security of the campus community.
The protest at USC, which led to the campus closure, was part of a series of anti-Israel demonstrations taking place on college campuses nationwide. The incident highlighted the challenges universities face in balancing the rights of free expression with maintaining order and safety on campus. The university’s response to the protest, including the involvement of law enforcement, the closure of the campus, and the arrest of individuals, reflected its commitment to upholding campus policies and ensuring the well-being of the community. Moving forward, USC will continue to address issues of free expression, safety, and community well-being to create a constructive and inclusive campus environment for all.
