Police arrested dozens of protesters on university campuses across the United States on Wednesday.
The University of Southern California USC is canceling this spring’s graduation ceremony due to fears of Gaza protests.
The university management fears that the Gaza protests of the students could disrupt the festivities.
USC announced the cancellation of the main graduation ceremony a day after more than 90 students were arrested on the university’s campus.
The university does not organize the main party, which usually has around 65,000 guests.
However, the faculties organize their own graduation parties. Participants will undergo a security check.
On Thursday, police arrested dozens of students on campuses across the United States during protests against the war between Israel and Hamas. In total, the police have arrested more than 500 demonstrators at universities within a week, says The Washington Post magazine.
In some universities, the protesters have set up tent camps on the campus. Columbia University had given the approximately 200 protesters camped on its campus until midnight to disband their camp. However, the university withdrew the threat slightly before the deadline, because the negotiations have progressed.
Supporters of Israel and those concerned about the safety of campuses have accused the demonstrations of anti-Jewish incidents and hate speech. Some Jewish students say they are worried about their safety.
Some Jewish students, on the other hand, participate in demonstrations and accuse the authorities of equating anti-Semitism with criticism of the state of Israel.
President Joe Biden has said that anti-Semitism has no place on campuses. At the same time, the president supports freedom of expression at universities.
Sources: AP, AFP