USC Cancels Main Graduation Ceremony After Anti-Israel Protests --Protesters had tried to occupy the campus, as demonstrators have done at other universities | 25 April 2024 | The University of Southern California (USC) has canceled its main graduation ceremony due to apparent security concerns after anti-Israel protesters tried to encamp and were removed by Los Angeles Police Department this week. In addition, USC canceled the speech of its valedictorian after she was found to have supported the annihilation of the State of Israel in online posts. In a statement, USC noted: "We understand that this is disappointing; however, we are adding many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely USC, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the celebratory releasing of the doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band."