Protesters decrying the war in Gaza gathered outside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Thursday as USC’s New Student Convocation was held inside — reviving anti-war gatherings that roiled the campus earlier this year.
Protesters outside the Coliseum Thursday were seen holding signs that read “USC funds genocide” and “Long live the student intifada.”
Student protests that occurred earlier this year were ultimately paused due to disciplinary actions and summer break.
Organizations behind the protests — USC Divest From Death Collision, USC Student Coalition Against Labor Exploitation and the USC chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine — put out a call on Instagram earlier this week for a resumption of protests, leading to Thursday’s gathering.
“As former and current students are still going through disciplinary measures, USC must know that its suppression of free speech and complacency in genocide have never been forgotten,” according to a post by the group.
The protest started around 7:30 a.m. Thursday and continued until 11 a.m., after the convocation had concluded. There were no reports of any arrests or disturbances.
The Daily Trojan, the university student newspaper, reported that protesters accused USC President Carol Folt of having deep ties with USC Hillel and USC Chabad, the two major organizations for Jewish students.
Protesters also passed out pamphlets that alleged “USC lied during and after meetings with students for peace negotiations about students’ security, the use of violent police force, and punishments!” according to the paper.
According to USC Public Relations, Thursday’s protest did not impact the New Student Convocation event.
USC President Carol Folt sent a message to the university community on Tuesday recognizing the challenges posed by the protests earlier this year, and reaffirming the university’s commitment to free expression and protest — but saying campus rules must be followed.
“As we transition to the fall semester, we remain committed to ensuring your rights to free speech, academic freedom, and peaceful protest in accordance with state and federal law,” Folt said. “We expect you to follow the university’s rules and policies designed to support your rights and prevent disruption of university functions. We also are required by law to maintain a safe and bias-free environment in our classrooms, hospitals, events, and campuses. These values are essential to the Trojan community and do not conflict with free speech or academic freedom. The links below explain free expression and academic freedom, along with legal responsibilities and limitations.”