In response to escalating protests, the University of Southern California (USC) has announced the closure of its University Park Campus (UPC), the institution’s primary campus, as confirmed in an official statement released by the university.
The decision to close the UPC comes as a result of significant activity at the heart of the campus. USC has specified that students will still have access through pedestrian gates using their USC identification cards, and all individuals currently present on campus will be allowed to exit.
The closure coincides with the Los Angeles Police Department’s intervention, as officers initiated arrests of protesters for criminal trespassing following the issuance of a dispersal order at the university park. Videos captured officers detaining protesters, who were compliant and being led away while chants of solidarity echoed in the background.
Meanwhile, tensions have surged at Columbia University amidst pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the New York campus. House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for the resignation of Columbia’s President, Minouche Shafik, amid demands from pro-Palestinian student protesters to sever financial ties with Israel.
Expressing concern over the situation, Michael D’Agostino, a senior student at Columbia, remarked, “It’s pretty disheartening to see all this on campus. I will say I think a lot of people are misguided.”
Amid the predominantly peaceful protests, some Jewish students at Columbia have voiced apprehension for their safety, citing instances of antisemitic rhetoric and actions.
The recent shift to hybrid classes due to safety concerns has further complicated the academic landscape, prompting USC students to adapt to remote learning formats.
At USC’s Alumni Park, the Department of Public Safety ordered protesters to disperse, citing concerns of criminal trespassing. Despite the announcement, demonstrators remained in the area, linking arms and chanting in defiance.
UT Protest Update: Peaceful Regathering Follows Initial Clashes
At the University of Texas (UT), tensions eased after intense clashes between police and protesters resulted in numerous arrests. Following a police withdrawal, demonstrators regrouped and resumed their activities peacefully on campus.
The initial confrontations garnered significant attention, including the arrest of a Fox 7 News photojournalist who was covering a live broadcast of the pro-Palestinian protest. The journalist was allegedly thrown to the ground by police, sparking controversy over the circumstances of his arrest.
GOP Calls for Columbia President’s Resignation Amid Protests
Republican representatives have seized upon the unrest at Columbia University to advocate for the resignation of President Minouche Shafik, citing concerns over safety and allegations of antisemitism on campus. Speakers Johnson, Malliotakis, Lawler, and D’Esposito have called for decisive action, suggesting that universities failing to manage such protests should not receive federal funding. They assert that Columbia’s leadership has faltered in ensuring the safety of its students amidst the ongoing demonstrations.
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