LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the USC campus Saturday to voice their opposition to the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to tense moments throughout the night. The demonstrations, which began at Alumni Park in the afternoon, reignited after a prior protest was abruptly halted when law enforcement intervened and made arrests earlier in the week.
Despite the initial disruptions, Saturday’s gathering was characterized by a sense of frustration and calls for action, with some protesters directing their discontent towards USC itself. A symbolic act of resistance was seen as someone spray-painted “Say no to genocide” on the base of the Tommy Trojan statue.
According to witnesses, the protest, while peaceful in nature, aimed to echo chants for the liberation of Palestine and uphold safety measures to ensure the well-being of all participants. Campus access was restricted to students and staff only, with stringent security checks in place to monitor entry and exit points.
As the night progressed, a heightened police presence was observed, with LAPD vehicles entering the USC campus. Amid these developments, USC’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Joel Curran, addressed concerns over property damage and disruption to campus operations caused by the ongoing protests, underscoring the university’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression while upholding order on campus.
The unrest at USC comes in the wake of controversial decisions regarding a valedictorian’s speech, further complicating the university’s response to student activism. The cancellation of the main commencement ceremony following safety concerns reflects a broader debate surrounding free speech rights and campus dynamics, prompting mixed reactions from the student body and administration alike.
In another part of the city at UCLA, a similar Pro-Palestinian encampment has sparked less controversy, maintaining a peaceful coexistence with the campus community. As tensions simmer, plans for a peaceful rally in support of Jewish students at UCLA alongside fundraising efforts for a counter-protest underscore the intricate interplay of differing perspectives within the university environment.