USC to host graduate event at LA Memorial Coliseum after canceling main commencement ceremony

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- USC, which previously canceled its main stage commencement ceremony amid pro-Palestinian protests, has announced plans for a "Trojan Family Graduate Celebration" instead next week at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The event, scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 p.m., will include "drone shows, fireworks, surprise performances, the Trojan Marching Band, and a special gift just for the Class of 2024," according to the university, which billed the event as a chance for graduates to "celebrate your accomplishments in a big way and come together as a Trojan Family."

USC's commencement season plans have been in turmoil since mid-April, when the university said it would not allow pro-Palestinian valedictorian Asna Tabassum to speak during the main stage ceremony, which traditionally draws more than 60,000 people to the campus' Alumni Park. University officials said the move was made due to security concerns following complaints about some of Tabassum's online posts that critics deemed to be antisemitic -- something she has denied.

Following a massive protest on the campus and an attempt by pro-Palestinian protesters to set up an encampment in Alumni Park, USC first scrubbed plans for any outside speakers at commencement, then it opted to cancel the event altogether.

"We know many of you have had questions about why USC couldn't use the Coliseum for our main stage ceremony," according to the university's announcement of the Graduate Celebration. "It was the first place we looked -- unfortunately, it was fully booked. We also looked at many alternative arenas around Los Angeles -- which on such short notice had similar issues.

"We have been able to host this event -- and a couple smaller events - - because several groups adjusted their plans at the Coliseum to accommodate limited access for this special event."

Due to that limited access, the Graduate Celebration will be restricted to a portion of the Coliseum, so each graduate will be limited to a maximum of six tickets, university officials said.

Pro-Palestinian protests continued at Southern California college campuses, including at UCLA and USC.

Graduates are expected to receive an email with ticking information and other details.

USC adjusts campus security amid protests

Meanwhile, the university is following updated campus-entry procedures as it remains under a state of heightened security.

According to the university Department of Public Safety, vehicle and pedestrian access to the campus is available at the McCarthy and McClintock entrances. The entry at Watt Way is not open, but DPS officials said it or other locations may be used as exits to help relieve vehicle congestion.

A separate, temporary interior perimeter fence is in place, with pedestrian access available at McCarthy Way and the quad; Watt Way and 34th Street; and McClintock Avenue and Childs Way.

Organizers of the pro-Palestinian protests at USC are set to meet with USC President Carol Folt Tuesday for the second consecutive day.

Entry is still limited to students and employees with IDs. Pre- registered guests must show a QR code available from the visitor.usc.edu website, as well as a government-issued ID.

University officials said all bags will be subject to search. People wearing masks will be asked to lower them briefly to verify identification, according to the university.

Conditions on the USC campus have remained relatively calm in recent days, a far cry from the scene last week when 93 people were arrested following a mass protest and attempted occupation of Alumni Park.