The University of Southern California’s commencement ceremonies this year have been marred by protests and controversy, leading to the cancellation of the main stage, Hollywood-driven event. Several keynote speakers have withdrawn from various school ceremonies, and the campus has been closed to non-credentialed visitors with tight security measures in place. Despite these challenges, smaller celebrations will still take place within the university’s academic units, albeit with limited attendance and restricted movement among venues.
These disruptions are occurring amidst a broader backdrop of student protests over Israel’s conflict in Gaza, which have led to disruptions at universities across the country. Many universities are struggling to balance the preservation of traditional commencement rites with the need to respect free speech while ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. At U.S.C., the cancellation of speeches by the valedictorian and a high-profile alumnus prompted further controversy and protests on campus, resulting in the cancelation of the main commencement ceremony.
Despite these challenges, some commencement events at U.S.C. are still moving forward with high-profile speakers such as Sean Penn and Justice Goodwin Liu committed to addressing graduates in certain schools. However, some speakers, including C Pam Zhang and Safiya Umoja Noble, have pulled out in protest of recent events at the university. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions among faculty members about how to best address the controversy and uphold the spirit of commencement.
The cancellation of speeches by the valedictorian and other keynote speakers has sparked a backlash on campus, with faculty members and students alike expressing discontent with the university’s handling of the situation. Calls for apologies, censure, and reinstatement of the valedictorian as a speaker at the engineering school’s commencement have emerged, adding to the drama surrounding the event. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to salvage some sense of normalcy and celebration for graduates and their families.
The controversy surrounding U.S.C.’s commencement ceremonies reflects broader tensions and conflicts playing out on college campuses across the country. Balancing free speech rights, safety concerns, and traditional rites of passage has proven to be a complex and challenging task for universities facing protests and controversy. As schools work to navigate these issues, the future of commencement ceremonies remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and debates about the best path forward in the face of conflicting viewpoints and values.
