Results for: University of Southern California

Student demonstrations against Israel’s offensive in Gaza have gained momentum across the United States, leading to arrests and heavy-handed police responses on several campuses. The protests, spearheaded by students, demand universities sever financial ties with Israel and divest from companies alleged to facilitate the ongoing campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. The movement has drawn accusations of anti-Semitism from some quarters, but protesters and observers reject such claims. Despite threats of disciplinary action and police intervention, students at Harvard, Brown, USC, andColumbia have set up encampments in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The escalation prompted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to suggest deploying the National Guard, but the Biden administration has voiced support for free speech on college campuses.

On Wednesday evening, Los Angeles police declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the dispersal of a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at the University of Southern California (USC). Those who refused to comply were arrested, and some protesters were seen blocking traffic on nearby streets. Approximately 30 protesters were taken into custody. The incident occurred after a day of protest at USC’s Alumni Park, with protesters erecting banners, pitching tents, and refusing to leave. The protest is part of a broader movement on college campuses across the country, with students expressing their opposition to the Israel-Hamas conflict through sit-ins and other actions.