Topline:
USC will host a “Trojan Family Graduate Celebration” on May 9 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The announcement comes after the university canceled its main stage commencement ceremony following the arrest of more than 90 people during the break up of a Gaza solidarity encampment on campus. The university has also canceled the 2024 valedictory address.
What will the celebration entail: Graduates will be given six tickets to the event, which will include “drone shows, fireworks, surprise performances, the Trojan Marching Band, and a special gift just for the Class of 2024.”
“We know many of you have had questions about why USC couldn’t use the Coliseum for our main stage ceremony. It was the first place we looked – unfortunately, it was fully booked,” the announcement states. “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.”
Backstory: USC’s commencement ceremony has been in the spotlight after it canceled the valedictory address by Asna Tabassum citing security concerns. Tabassum’s selection as valedictorian was met with criticism by pro-Israeli groups for what they called her “anti-Zionist rhetoric.”
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