With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
USC To Host Family Commencement Ceremony In Coliseum
USC students and faculty protest against the administration's decision to cancel the valedictory address at commencement.
(
Courtesy Alan Mittelstaedt
)
Topline:
USC will host a “Trojan Family Graduate Celebration” on May 9 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The announcement comes after the university canceled its main stage commencement ceremony following the arrest of more than 90 people during the break up of a Gaza solidarity encampment on campus. The university has also canceled the 2024 valedictory address.
What will the celebration entail: Graduates will be given six tickets to the event, which will include “drone shows, fireworks, surprise performances, the Trojan Marching Band, and a special gift just for the Class of 2024.”
“We know many of you have had questions about why USC couldn’t use the Coliseum for our main stage ceremony. It was the first place we looked – unfortunately, it was fully booked,” the announcement states. “We have been able to host this event – and a couple smaller events – because several groups adjusted their plans at the Coliseum to accommodate limited access for this special event.”
Sponsored message
Backstory: USC’s commencement ceremony has been in the spotlight after it canceled the valedictory address by Asna Tabassum citing security concerns. Tabassum’s selection as valedictorian was met with criticism by pro-Israeli groups for what they called her “anti-Zionist rhetoric.”
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
