California University Cancels Graduation Ceremony Amid Gaza Protests
In a bold move, the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles has called off its graduation ceremony amidst the escalating protests over Gaza that have been sweeping through college campuses across the United States.
The decision, attributed to “new safety measures”, has caused a wave of reactions across campuses nationwide, with hundreds of individuals being detained at various protests and encampments in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
While some universities have resorted to bringing in law enforcement to disband the protests, others are engaging in negotiations. At Columbia University in New York City, where the protests initially erupted, a deadline for dispersal was extended due to ongoing talks that show signs of progress.
One notable incident occurred at Atlanta’s Emory University, where 28 demonstrators were arrested after refusing to vacate the premises. Emory’s police force reported clashes with protesters who breached security lines set up for the commencement ceremony.
Reports of chemical irritants being deployed during crowd control measures surfaced, with conflicting statements regarding their use. While authorities admitted to using these irritants in response to perceived threats, claims of rubber bullets being fired were denied.
Among those detained was Noelle McAfee, chair of Emory’s philosophy department, who described the protest as peaceful before escalating rapidly into chaos with the arrival of law enforcement.
The recent wave of campus demonstrations was triggered by the crackdown on a protest encampment at Columbia University, resulting in over 100 arrests. Activists are demanding universities to divest from companies linked to the conflict in Gaza and accusing them of indirectly supporting violence.
Amidst the growing tension, allegations of antisemitism have emerged, with Jewish students expressing concerns about their safety on campuses. The movement has garnered attention at a national and international level, drawing support from various groups.
Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s visit to Columbia University further fueled the momentum of the protests, highlighting the impact of university actions on a global scale.
Developments Across Various Campuses
President Biden faced protests in Syracuse, while demonstrations unfolded at Northwestern University and other campuses across the country. The Uncommitted movement’s collaboration with student activists at the University of Michigan and protests in Washington DC and Boston underscore the widespread nature of the movement.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt remains closed due to ongoing protests, with similar actions observed at other prominent institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Indiana University.
The conflict in Gaza, triggered by an attack on southern Israel by Hamas-led gunmen, has resulted in a significant loss of life, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The situation remains volatile as protests and demonstrations continue to unfold on campuses nationwide.
