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After a brief closure overnight due to what the university called a “disturbance,” the University of Southern California reopened its main campus Sunday morning — though not in full.
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, USC said two entrances, the McCarthy and McClintock gates, were open for students, staff, faculty and “registered guests.”
Those looking to register a guest can do so online, and then check in with security at one of those gates.
USC initially announced the closure of the University Park campus to the public at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday. While the university wasn’t specific in what the “disturbance” on campus was referring to, a growing number of protesters have taken to the school in recent days to voice their opposition to the Israel-Hamas War.
Group of protesters leaving USC’s campus and continuing to march down surrounding streets on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
According to KTLA’s Chris Wolfe, there were reports of vandalism on the campus Saturday.
Demonstrators have constructed an encampment in the middle of campus as they call for a ceasefire in Gaza, where roughly 34,000 people have died from the violence.
The protest joins many others on college campuses across the country, including nearby UCLA where a pro-Israeli counter protest was scheduled for Sunday.
USC’s handling of the pro-Palestinian protests and advocates has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
On April 15, the university canceled the Class of 2024 Valedictorian’s speech at the then-upcoming main commencement due to “safety issues.” Asna Tabassum, who was scheduled to give the speech, had a pro-Palestinian website linked in her Instagram biography, and was accused of antisemitism from pro-Israeli groups.
Earlier this week, USC opted to cancel the main commencement in whole, once again citing “safety issues.”
(source)