USC cancels main stage ceremony for 'new safety measures' after scrapping commencement speakers

The University of Southern California has canceled its main stage commencement ceremony after scrapping the commencement speakers and honorary degree ceremonies following heavy backlash from pulling its valedictorian’s speech over security concerns.

USC posted an update on its website Thursday, which reads, "As in previous years, the university will be hosting dozens of commencement events, including all the traditional individual school commencement ceremonies where students cross the stage, have their names announced, are photographed, and receive their diplomas. In keeping with tradition, we will be hosting all doctoral hooding ceremonies, special celebrations, and departmental activities and receptions.

"With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially. As a result, we will not be able to host the main stage ceremony that traditionally brings 65,000 students, families, and friends to our campus all at the same time and during a short window from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m." (emphasis original)

The announcement continued, "We understand that this is disappointing; however, we are adding many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely USC, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the celebratory releasing of the doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band."

The update later added, "For those who have never attended a graduation (like many students this year), we’ve created a gallery of photos from ceremonies of previous years so you can see how joyful and special these are."

The university pulled valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech last week, after Tabassum posted pro-Palestinian content on social media. The university claimed the cancellation was solely out of concern for Tabassum’s safety, and was not meant to silence her or as a punishment.

The campus said last Friday that it was restructuring its commencement, and would not include a planned speech from USC alumnus Jon M. Chu, who directed "Crazy Rich Asians,” or feature other honorary degree guests like tennis icon Billie Jean King, head of the National Endowment for the Arts Maria Rosario Jackson, and National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt.

The graduating class of 2024 also had its 2020 high school graduation ceremonies canceled due to COVID-19 lockdowns.