With commencement ceremonies a week away and pro-Palestine protests continuing, USC implemented updated campus-entry procedures Thursday as it remains under a state of heightened security.
According to the university, all parking garages will remain open, and entry to the campus will be available at three locations — McCarthy Way and Figueroa Street; Watt Way and 34th Street; and McClintock Street and Childs Way.
Entry will still be limited to students, faculty, staff, registered guests and “known vendors with confirmation of work.” Student, staff and faculty ID cards will be scanned at the entryways, and 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.
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On Wednesday, dozens of USC faculty members held a march through the campus today in support of protesters, calling in part for amnesty for those who were arrested last week.
The Wednesday march remained peaceful, with some students joining the faculty in the late-afternoon procession. It was held hours after a virtual meeting that was held between members of the campus Academic Senate and USC President Carol Folt, who was joined by Provost Andrew Guzman.
Folt wrote on social media Wednesday afternoon that the meeting was held “to explain our reasoning and answer their thoughtful and direct questions about our recent decisions.”
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“Rich & sometimes opposing views are essential to a great university,” Folt wrote. “Trust is built every day & we hope this was a step forward.”
Some additional protesters marched…
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