USC announced Thursday that it is canceling its main May commencement ceremony, capping a dramatic series of moves that began last week after it informed valedictorian Asna Tabassum, who had been opposed by pro-Israel groups, that she would not be delivering the traditional speech.
In ending the university-wide May 10 graduation ceremony altogether, USC aimed to quell the controversy that grew as it dismantled aspects of the ceremony, drawing criticism from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activists nationwide.
“With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially. 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 and during a short window from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.,” USC said in its announcement.
At least 23 satellite graduation ceremonies at USC’s schools and colleges will continue as scheduled, in addition to smaller departmental receptions.
www.yahoo.com/news/usc-cancels-main-stage-commencement-194428586.html