USC Cancels Main-Stage Graduation Ceremony After Pro-Palestinian Protests

New safety measures forced cancellation of the big event, which would have meant processing 65,000 people. Individual school ceremonies will still be held.

Faculty join pro-Palestinian students as they protest the Israel-Hamas war on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, on April 24, 2024. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

University of Southern California (USC) officials announced April 25 the cancellation of public graduation ceremonies on its main stage May 10 following a massive pro-Palestinian protest that ended in the arrest of nearly 100.

The university posted a graduation ceremonies update Thursday afternoon, saying new safety measures would be implemented for this year’s commencement events.