Students protesting the conflict in Gaza left their encampment at the University of Southern California early Sunday after police surrounded them and threatened arrests. Meanwhile, Northeastern University’s graduation ceremony concluded peacefully at Boston’s Fenway Park.
Recent events at both campuses drew scrutiny following widespread arrests last month — over 90 at USC in Los Angeles and about 100 at Northeastern in Boston.
Around 4 a.m., a large number of Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived at USC to support campus security. The university had warned of potential arrests both online and in person. Video footage showed some protesters packing up and leaving, while police formed lines to clear out the remaining camp. USC reported no arrests.
USC President Carol Folt stated that action was necessary as the situation had become increasingly concerning, with parts of campus blocked and individuals facing harassment.
“The operation concluded peacefully,” Folt stated in an update. “Campus is reopening, students are returning for finals, and preparations for commencement are proceeding as planned.”
People carry their belongings (Via Jason Roy/Getty Images)
Earlier, USC had canceled its main graduation ceremony but allowed other commencement events to continue.
Meanwhile, at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), officials announced the creation of a new role: chief safety officer, responsible for overseeing campus security operations.
The announcement on Sunday followed criticism of UCLA’s handling of recent demonstrations, including an incident where a pro-Palestinian student encampment was attacked by a mob last week.
