The University of Southern California (USC) is currently facing a situation where the Los Angeles Police Department and university authorities are taking action against a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the campus. USC issued a warning early Sunday morning urging individuals at the center of the campus to evacuate, emphasizing that failure to do so may result in arrest.
Witnesses and local media shared videos online showing LAPD officers in riot gear gathering in significant numbers at the campus's periphery. This development comes after USC has experienced a series of substantial protests on its Los Angeles premises in recent weeks.
Despite USC's president engaging with the encampment protesters on multiple occasions, the university disclosed last week that an agreement could not be reached with them. In response to the escalating situation, USC cautioned students on Friday that those apprehended during on-campus protests would be subject to disciplinary measures by the university.
Protests at various educational institutions across the United States have been advocating for divestment from companies and entities allegedly supporting or benefiting from Israel's actions in Gaza. The demands of these protests have varied, with students calling on universities to sever ties with such entities.
A USC professor, who has been critical of the university's handling of the protests, highlighted that the decision to cancel the commencement speech of a Muslim valedictorian due to safety concerns had sparked further demonstrations at the university.
