| Dear Trojan Family, I am writing to let you know that early this morning DPS, with the assistance of the LAPD, removed the occupiers who had rebuilt their illegal encampment in Alumni Park. The operation was peaceful. Campus is opening, students are returning to prepare for finals, and commencement set-up is in full swing.
Over the last few weeks, the university exercised patience and restraint as we worked to de-escalate a volatile situation. We’ve spoken to the occupiers daily, issued repeated warnings, and offered opportunities and locations for them to protest lawfully. We’ve supported their right to express strong opinions and passions for their cause, as always.
Yet when free speech protests devolve into illegal occupations, violating the rights of others, we must draw a line. The occupiers repeatedly chose to ignore university policies designed to benefit everyone, and to break the law. We needed to act quickly to protect the rights of our 80,000 students, staff, and faculty. We are in the critical period from the end-of-term quiet study week, through finals and our commencement ceremonies.
Despite our efforts to de-escalate, the occupation was spiraling in a dangerous direction over the last several days. Areas of campus were blocked, people walking down Trousdale, our main thoroughfare, were harassed, and iconic Trojan symbols were defaced. In addition, university property was stolen, and commencement structures were dismantled. Residence halls, campus throughfares, and libraries had become places of confrontation. Some finals were disrupted with noise and chanting during mandated quiet periods. Yesterday afternoon, outside agitators jumped the perimeter fencing and assaulted our officers.
This had to stop.
With no resolution in sight, I requested the LAPD to assist DPS in removing the encampment as peacefully and safely as possible. At 4:10 a.m., an order to disperse was issued, providing the trespassers one last opportunity to leave voluntarily. In 64 minutes, the encampment was abandoned and cleared. The operation was peaceful with no arrests. We will not tolerate illegal encampments of any kind at USC.
Over the last week, we methodically and carefully executed on our strategy. My goals were to prioritize safety and return our campus and our surrounding community to normalcy. We were determined to ensure our students could finish their exams without further disruption and that USC could host the commencement celebrations our graduates have worked hard to earn.
As I shared with the Trojan Family last Friday, freedom of speech is central to who we are as a university and is at the core of our democratic society. USC is home to 47,000 students with many different perspectives, and our policies are designed in a manner that allows people to express those opinions.
In closing, I thank DPS and the LAPD for their swift action, professionalism, and concern for our students. I also thank the Trojan community and our neighbors for your patience as we navigate these challenging times. Respectfully yours, |
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Dear Trojan Family, I’m writing to let you know the steps we’re taking now to ensure students finish their finals in a quiet, safe academic environment – and that our graduating students can enjoy peaceful and joyous commencement ceremonies worthy of their accomplishments.
Freedom of expression is one of our foundational values, and throughout the year, faculty, staff, and students have held lawful marches, vigils, and peaceful demonstrations. But let me be absolutely clear: free speech and assembly do not include the right to obstruct equal access to campus, damage property, or foment harassment, violence, and threats. Nor is anyone entitled to obstruct the normal functions of our university, including commencement.
The university is legally obligated to ensure that students, faculty, and staff can move freely throughout our campus while pursuing their studies, work, and research. Every part of our campuses, including Alumni Park, must be fully accessible and free from vandalism and harassment.
When laws and policies that apply to everyone are repeatedly and flagrantly violated – there must be consequences. This is an intense and highly charged time for the country and for many here at USC – I'm asking everyone to help, abide by all our security measures, and treat each other with empathy and respect. The university has initiated disciplinary review processes for individuals who have violated both our policies and the law. We will take any further actions required to maintain campus safety and security, consistent with our legal obligations.
Finals conclude on Wednesday and our commencement ceremonies begin that same day. We’re quickly approaching the time when our graduates, their families, and loved ones will come together at USC. I’m grateful to everyone who is working so tirelessly to bring USC’s commencement celebrations to life. With gratitude, |
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To the Trojan Community: I’m writing to give you an update.
The recent events at USC have been hard on all of us – I know you’re seeing it, hearing it, and that you have many questions about how we’re maintaining safety, honoring free speech, and ensuring we can host our 141st commencement to give our graduates the celebration they have earned.
We’re working hard to maintain a peaceful campus. The situation is fluid – like at other universities across the nation – and we will adapt when necessary. We’re also seeing a lot on social media that’s distorted and, in many cases, is outright misinformation.
I want to share what our university is doing right now:
We’re getting ready for 47 commencement ceremonies and celebrations. When you walk across campus, you’ll see stages, tents, and chairs going up – cardinal and gold banners and flowers everywhere.
USC traditions are holding strong. I walked by Tommy Trojan today and witnessed graduates and their families lining up at our campus icons, taking photos and commemorating this important event. I encourage you to click on Tommy Cam to see that the Trojan Spirit is in full swing.
We’re also deep into Quiet Week with final exams approaching – students are filling our libraries, meeting in study groups, and even taking an occasional break for coffee with friends. They’re focused on academic achievement, and it’s our job to support them in every way possible, including academic accommodations if needed.
We’re maintaining our unshakeable commitment to free speech, with a designated Free Speech Area for peaceful protests and USC’s balanced, robust, and independent student-run media reporting on campus every day. This is part of our commitment to allow all students to access and move around our campuses free from obstruction, harassment, threats, or discrimination. And we will continue to ensure the physical safety and well-being of every Trojan on our campuses.
I’m talking directly with our students, including two lengthy sessions with representatives from Divest from Death USC, the group that established the encampment in Alumni Park. In addition, we’re holding informational sessions with our faculty and staff. And I will continue the important outreach to all members of our community – including our Jewish and Israeli communities, our Palestinian and Muslim communities, as well as others.
I have faith in our ability to unite and seek common ground.
My call to action is to ask for your help: de-escalate tension, keep our campuses peaceful, respect our 47,000 students – and, whenever you can, remember to congratulate the members of the Class of 2024 on their outstanding accomplishments. Sincerely, |
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