USC cancels its main commencement ceremony


Happening nowProtesters defy deadline to leave Columbia University encampment. Watch coverage of protests across campuses.

Pro-Palestinian movement is 'mushrooming' on campuses across US02:12

April 25, 2024 - US university protests

By Elise Hammond, Chandelis Duster, Kathleen Magramo, Elizabeth Wolfe, Aya Elamroussi, Lauren Mascarenhas and Tori B. Powell, CNN

Updated 2:11 a.m. ET, April 26, 2024

4:05 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

USC cancels its main commencement ceremony

From CNN's Samantha Delouya and Josh du Lac

Demonstrators gather after students built a protest encampment in support of Palestinians at the University of Southern California's (USC) Alumni Park, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 24, 2024. Demonstrators gather after students built a protest encampment in support of Palestinians at the University of Southern California's (USC) Alumni Park, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 24, 2024. David Swanson/Reuters

The University of Southern California canceled its main commencement ceremony for 2024 graduating students in May, citing "new safety measures in place."

"We understand that this is disappointing," the university said in an announcement on its website.

The announcement came days after the university canceled the commencement speech of its Muslim valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, due to what it called security concerns. USC then canceled appearances by prominent speakers and honorees at the May 10 graduation ceremony.

USC's commencement weekend is scheduled for May 8-11. Its main stage ceremony traditionally brought all 65,000 students and their families together. The university said it would host "new activities and celebrations" to ensure the weekend would still be "meaningful, memorable and uniquely USC."

Many students in the class of 2024 graduated high school in 2020, meaning they may also have missed out on graduation ceremonies due to Covid-19.

3:58 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

George Washington University president: Encampment is "unauthorized use of university space" and violates university policies

From CNN's Chandelis Duster, Sara Smart and Lauren Koenig

Activists with Students for Justice in Palestine participate in an encampment protest at the University Yard at George Washington University today in Washington, DC. Activists with Students for Justice in Palestine participate in an encampment protest at the University Yard at George Washington University today in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

George Washington University president Ellen M. Granberg on Thursday said DC Metropolitan Police were asked to assist in relocating an "unauthorized protest encampment" on campus.

"The encampment, unlike some demonstrations in the past, is an unauthorized use of university space at this location and violated several university policies," Granberg said in a statement. "The decision to request MPD assistance came after multiple instructions made by GWPD to relocate to an alternative demonstration site on campus went unheeded by encampment participants."

She said the school will allow George Washington University students "an appropriate place for their protest within the defined limits of free expression" at the school but will not allow students from "other local colleges or unaffiliated individuals to trespass on our campus."

"We can and will enforce the time, place, and manner restrictions that continue to govern activities on our campus," she said.

Granberg also said they will insist that protesters "meet their responsibility to university policies that prohibit the disruption of the normal academic activities of our community --- the vast majority of whom are not protesting."

"Occupying campus grounds, establishing outdoor encampments, and blocking access to buildings create safety concerns and can disrupt learning and study, especially during this critical final exam period," she said. "Such activities are inconsistent with the university's mission, values, and commitment to providing a safe environment for all students and employees."

3:35 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Protests are "absolutely" reaching Secretary of State Blinken, spokesperson said

From CNN's Michael Conte

A State Department spokesperson said Thursday that the Biden administration supports the right to protest peacefully.

"We, of course, support the right of anybody to peacefully protest, to demonstrate, to make their voices heard, to express themselves in a peaceful and nonviolent way," said State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel at a press briefing.

When asked if the protesters' voices were reaching Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Patel said, "Absolutely."

"But we're also not naive to the fact that when it comes to any of the foreign policy that we pursue, 100% of the population is not going to agree with what we're trying to accomplish," said Patel.

Patel added that "harmful rhetoric, rhetoric whether it be rooted in antisemitism, Islamophobia, is incredibly problematic and needs to be condemned and called out."

4:18 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Georgia NAACP president calls for meeting with Emory president

From CNN's Chandelis Duster

An Atlanta police officer takes down tents on the campus of Emory University after a pro-Palestinian demonstration today. An Atlanta police officer takes down tents on the campus of Emory University after a pro-Palestinian demonstration today. Mike Stewart/AP

Gerald A. Griggs, head of the Georgia NAACP, on Thursday called for a meeting with Emory president Gregory L. Fenves, after pepper spray and pepper balls were used by police on protesters on campus.

"As the president of the @GeorgiaNAACP, given the events that occurred this morning on the campus of @EmoryUniversity & @emorycollege, I am requesting a meeting with the President of the University to discuss the events on the campus as soon as possible," wrote Griggs, who is also an alumnus of the university, on social media .

2:44 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Dozens of protesters form encampment at Northeastern University, police present at the scene

From CNN's Isabel Rosales, Devon Sayers and Bob Crowley

An encampment has been formed at Northeastern University in Boston, where dozens of protesters can be seen forming a human chain around several tents.

Uniformed members of the Northeastern University Police Department and the Boston Police Department are present at what appears to be a peaceful protest.

Students can be heard chanting several protest chants, including "Who do you protect, who do you serve?" "Viva, viva Palestine," and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Some law enforcement on site are wearing helmets and carrying zip ties.

Several apparent students wearing yarmulkes are in a crowd watching the protesters.

4:20 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Encampment forms at University of California, Los Angeles

From CNN's Taylor Romine

Pro-Palestinian students and activsts gather on the plaza in front of Royce Hall at the University of California Los Angeles on April 25. Pro-Palestinian students and activsts gather on the plaza in front of Royce Hall at the University of California Los Angeles on April 25. Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images

A "demonstration with encampments" has formed at the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) in Royce Quad, the university said in a campus activity update Thursday.

Access to Royce Hall and Powell Library are restricted but campus life will continue as usual and "classes will be held as planned," according to the update.

"We're actively monitoring this situation to support a safe and peaceful campus environment that respects our community's right to free expression while minimizing disruption to our teaching and learning mission," the update said.

The encampment comes after police arrested nearly 100 protesters at the nearby University of Southern California after a dispersal order.

Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA posted on Instagram inviting others to join and said, "WE ARE STAYING UNTIL OUR DEMANDS ARE MET! BE HERE!"

"We camp in solidarity with Palestine. We refuse to be complicit in this genocidal campaign," the post said.

Aerial photos from CNN affiliate KCAL show people sitting scattered throughout Royce Quad with tents Thursday. The demonstrators appear peaceful.

4:03 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

NYPD not clearing City College of New York encampment Thursday afternoon

From CNN's Mark Morales

An encampment at City College of New York is seen on Thursday. An encampment at City College of New York is seen on Thursday. WABC

The New York Police Department**has pulled out from City College of New York and now no action is imminent, according to a law enforcement official.

City College of New York officials said they would give the NYPD their written request but so far have not, the official said. In response, NYPD officials have pulled out and no clearing of the park is now expected soon, the official said.

Earlier today, a law enforcement official said the NYPD had been in touch with officials from City College of New York and planned to clear the campus of an encampment set up by pro-Palestine protesters.

The NYPD was expected to move in and clear out the encampment sometime before 5 pm ET Thursday, the official said.

Similar encampments are sweeping universities across the nation, where hundreds of protesters have been arrested.

2:01 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Columbia's president faces calls from all sides to step down

From CNN's Nathaniel Meyersohn

College administrators have been under intense scrutiny in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill and Harvard University president Claudine Gay both stepped down in the wake of pressure over their response to antisemitism on campus.

Now, just over nine months into her tenure, Columbia University president Minouche Shafik - an Egyptian-born economist and former high-ranking official at the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Bank of England, and former president of the London School of Economics - is under pressure for her handling of Columbia campus protests .

"She's at serious risk of being able to survive this," said James Finkelstein, a professor emeritus of public policy at George Mason University who studies the selection and employment of university presidents.

At Columbia, some students, faculty and left-leaning lawmakers are enraged that Shafik authorized the New York Police Department to shut down pro-Palestinian student protests. They say the crackdown on student demonstrations, which resulted in more than 100 arrests , violated academic freedom. At the same time, students, religious groups and right-leaning lawmakers say the administration has failed to stop antisemitism inside Columbia's campus and at protests outside its gates.

"The likelihood of her keeping her job is at best 50-50," Finkelstein added.

2:14 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Organizers of Emory protests call for "end to police brutality and release of arrestees"

From CNN's Chandelis Duster and Isabel Rosales

Protesters record police officers during a protest at Emory University on Thursday in Atlanta. Protesters record police officers during a protest at Emory University on Thursday in Atlanta. Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images

Organizers of the demonstrations at Emory University on Thursday said law enforcement are responsible for protesters who were "indiscriminately attacked" during an encampment on campus.

"The Georgia State Patrol, Atlanta Police Department, and Emory Police Department all bear responsibility for this overt act of terrorism," organizers said in a statement.

The organizers said the protesters will "continue the call for Emory University to completely divest from all programs enabling Israeli apartheid." They also called for "an end to the police's brutality and the immediate release of all activists arrested."

"Despite the violence authorized by the Emory President Greg Fenves and Dean of Campus Life Enku Gelaye, protestors continue their action on campus and call for the broader Atlanta community to join them," the organizers said.

1:41 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

At least two professors detained during Emory University protests

From CNN's Nick Valencia

Emory University economics professor Caroline Fohlin is detained by police on Thursday at Emory University in Atlanta. Emory University economics professor Caroline Fohlin is detained by police on Thursday at Emory University in Atlanta. CNN

A CNN crew witnessed at least two professors detained by Atlanta police, including Emory University economics professor Caroline Fohlin and Noëlle McAfee, chair of the philosophy department.

CNN filmed video of women being detained. During her interaction with police, Professor Fohlin could be heard expressing concern about the violent arrests and use of force by police against individuals she identified as students.

1:43 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

CAIR condemns "use of force and arrests" at Emory University

From CNN's Chandelis Duster, Devon Sayers and Nick Valencia

A Georgia State Patrol officer detains a protester on the campus of Emory University during a demonstration on Thursday in Atlanta. A Georgia State Patrol officer detains a protester on the campus of Emory University during a demonstration on Thursday in Atlanta. Mike Stewart/AP

The Council on American-Islamic Relations chapter in Georgia on Thursday condemned the "use of force and arrests" by police officers against protesters at Emory University in Atlanta.

"Protesters shared a day of cultural learning and community despite which Emory deployed excessive use of force, tear gas, and rubber bullets," the organization said in a statement. "Emory University and APD fully bear responsibility for the violence we are seeing at the Emory campus right now. Students and protesters must be allowed their full constitutional rights."

Protesters were arrested on the campus of Emory University after an encampment was formed in the university quad area Thursday morning.

Video from the scene showed law enforcement officers wrangling protesters to the ground and forcefully putting people in zip-tie handcuffs.

Law enforcement officers used pepper spray to help clear the area of demonstrators, a CNN team on the scene reported. They also deployed pepper balls against a crowd gathered around protesters that had been detained by police.

1:33 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

ACLU of Texas calls on state officials to create safe spaces for students to protest

From CNN's Lauren Mascarenhas and Jeremy Grisham

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas warned against state and university officials deploying law enforcement to "violently censor" protests held by pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the University of Texas at Austin and other universities across the nation.

"The First Amendment guarantees people in Texas and across the nation the right to protest, including those who advocate for Palestinians," a statement from the group read. "However, state leaders rapidly escalated a planned day of peaceful demonstrations by deploying law enforcement in riot gear against students and the press. Public officials don't get to forcefully suppress the voices of people they disagree with."

Dozens of protesters were arrested at UT Austin Wednesday.

In its statement, the ACLU of Texas called on state officials to create safe spaces for students, staff and faculty to protest.

1:58 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Emerson president offers grief counseling to students after protests lead to more than 100 arrests

From CNN's Samantha Delouya

Emerson College President Jay Bernhardt said he "recognizes and respects the civic activism and passion that sparked the protest" in a statement Thursday after law enforcement officials cleared a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at the school, leading to dozens of arrests on Wednesday night.

"Emerson staff and administrators were at the scene, focused on supporting our students through this highly stressful situation and seeking to de-escalate the conflict," Bernhardt said. "Today, Emerson officials were at the police precincts and courthouses with the arrested students, and the College will receive them back on campus when they are released."

More than 100 people were arrested and four police officers were injured during the encampment clearing at the Boston liberal arts college, according to the Boston Police Department.

Bernhardt said that he understood that the encampment clearing "has significantly and adversely impacted our community" and offered students the support of grief counselors on campus on Thursday.

1:32 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Prosecutor drops charges against dozens of protesters arrested at UT-Austin Wednesday

From CNN's Ashley Killough

Texas State Troopers on horseback arrive on campus during a protest on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin on April 24. Texas State Troopers on horseback arrive on campus during a protest on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin on April 24. Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images

Following Wednesday's arrests of dozens of protesters on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the local prosecutor's office says 46 cases have already been dismissed.

"The Travis County Attorney's Office received several cases yesterday and throughout the evening as a result of yesterday's demonstration at the University of Texas," said spokesperson Diana Melendez with the Travis County Attorney's Office Thursday. "Legal concerns were raised by defense counsel. We individually reviewed each case that was presented and agreed there were deficiencies in the probable cause affidavits."

The prosecutor's office says the court ordered those protesters to be released. "We will continue to individually review all cases presented to our office to determine whether prosecution is factually and legally appropriate," said Melendez.

12:46 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Students rally at Georgetown University, march to encampment at George Washington University

From CNN's Lauren Koenig

Protesters rally at George Washington University on Thursday in Washington, DC. Protesters rally at George Washington University on Thursday in Washington, DC. Lauren Koenig/CNN

At Georgetown University in Washington, DC, a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters filled about one-third of the circular driveway in front of Healy Hall, the main administrative building on campus.

The crowd remained peaceful as organizers spoke and led chants of "free Palestine" and "from the river to the sea." The crowd then marched to the encampment at George Washington University, led by several professors wearing graduation regalia.

At the GW encampment, dozens of tents filled about one-quarter of the campus' University Yard.

"There is only one solution, intifada revolution, intifada intifada, long live the intifada," the demonstrators chanted, holding signs reading "Resistance is justified when people are occupied!" "Stop the invasion!" and "Ceasefire now!"

Cheers erupted when the marchers from Georgetown arrived on GW's campus, with continued chants for "intifada revolution." The Georgetown students were escorted into the GW encampment.

12:32 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Two arrested for trespassing at Princeton University Thursday during protest

From CNN's Samantha Kelly and Taylor Romine

Two graduate students at Princeton University in New Jersey were arrested Thursday morning for trespassing, the university said in a statement.

People started gathering for a protest Thursday when "a small number began erecting about a half-dozen tents," the statement said.

"After repeated warnings from the Department of Public Safety to cease the activity and leave the area, two graduate students were arrested for trespassing," the statement said, adding that the students are not allowed on campus pending a disciplinary process.

The tents were taken down by protesters, they said, but protests at the university are still underway.

On Wednesday, the university put out a message to students sharing the university's policy on protests.

"In addition to disrupting University operations, some types of protest actions (including occupying or blocking access to buildings, establishing outdoor encampments and sleeping in any campus outdoor space) are inherently unsafe for both those involved and for bystanders, and they increase the potential for escalation and confrontation," the message said.

12:15 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

NYPD Chief: "Good SAT scores and self-entitlement do not supersede the law"

From CNN's Chris Boyette and Caroll Alvarado

As the deadline for negotiations between protesters and Columbia University officials about clearing the encampment on its lawn nears, one high-ranking New York Police Department chief said the students are learning an important lesson.

"Columbia decided to hold its students accountable to the laws of the school. They are seeing the consequences of their actions. Something these kids were most likely never taught," Chief John Chell, NYPD Chief of Patrol, wrote in a lengthy _post on X_ . "Good SAT scores and self-entitlement do not supersede the law."

The chief's message came in response to an _X post_ from Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, in which the New York congresswoman questioned Columbia's decision to call the NYPD on their own students.

Chell also expressed frustration at what he said were students' "hateful anti-Semitic speech and vile language towards our cops."

CNN has reached out to the NYPD for comment on the chief's statements and Ocasio-Cortez's office for reaction.

12:18 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Pro-Palestinian encampment forms at George Washington University

From CNN's Taylor Romine

Protesters are seen at George Washington University in Washington, DC, on Thursday. Protesters are seen at George Washington University in Washington, DC, on Thursday. WJLA

George Washington University has joined a growing list of schools across the nation where Pro-Palestinian demonstrators are forming encampments on school campuses, according to videos posted by The GW Hatchet student newspaper.

The encampment was organized by students at multiple universities across the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, a group representing the coalition of Students for Justice in Palestine said in a post on Instagram .

The encampment is a "united demonstration of our power, uplifting our collective demands for financial transparency, boycotts and divestment from the zionist state, and an end to the racist repression pro-Palestine students," the post said.

In a statement to CNN, George Washington University said it is aware of about 50 students gathering on the University Yard with about 20 tents, in addition to non-students. The university said the protest has remained peaceful.

George Washington Police Department officers and other university officials have responded to the protest, and the school said it is coordinating with the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

4:07 p.m. ET, April 25, 2024

Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at university campuses across the US. Here's what to know

CNN staff

Police move in to arrest pro-Palestinian supporters who were blocking the road after the Emerson College Palestinian protest camp was cleared by police in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 25. Police move in to arrest pro-Palestinian supporters who were blocking the road after the Emerson College Palestinian protest camp was cleared by police in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 25. Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images

Pro-Palestinian protests continued at major US universities throughout Wednesday evening, even after law enforcement was called to step in and make arrests at campuses.

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University , the epicenter of demonstrations that began last week, said they won't disperse until the school agrees to cut ties with Israeli academic institutions and commits to a "complete divestment" of its funds from entities connected to Israel, among other demands.

Tensions on multiple campuses were sparked after Hamas' deadly October 7 attack on Israel, where militants killed about 1,200 people and took over 200 hostages. Israel responded with bombardments on Gaza that have killed more than 34,000 people after more than 200 days of war, according to the enclave's health ministry.

Some Jewish students say they are concerned for their safety on campus, and college administrators are facing increasing pressure from lawmakers to rein in protests.

/Here are the latest developments:/

* *University of Southern California:* USC canceled its main commencement ceremony for 2024 graduating students in May, citing "new safety measures in place." * *Emory University: *At least two professors detained during protests on campus. CAIR Georgia chapter condemns arrests and NAACP Georgia calls for meeting with university's president. * *Northeastern University: *An encampment has been formed where dozens of protesters have formed a human chain around tents.** * *City College of New York: *NYPD says it no longer plans to clear encampment Thursday afternoon. * *George Washington University: *An encampment of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have started an encampment on campus representing students from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia area, organizers and the university confirmed. * *Emerson College:* More than 100 people were arrested and four police officers were injured Wednesday at Emerson college in Boston during a pro-Palestinian protest, according to the Boston Police Department. * *Columbia University: *House Speaker Mike Johnson called on Columbia's president to resign if she cannot bring order to the campus. While most protests have been non-violent, some Jewish students are worried for their safety, with one Jewish student saying "the antisemitic comments and activity is running rampant." Negotiations between protesters and Columbia officials about clearing the encampment on its lawn were extended early Wednesday morning for another 48 hours .

* *University of Southern California: *Police**arrested nearly 100 protesters at the University of Southern California after a dispersal order. * *University of Texas at Austin: *Following tense resistance, the Texas Department of Public Safety said that 57 arrests had been made by law enforcement on the campus. A Fox 7 photographer was among those arrested amid the heated clashes, the news outlet said in a report . The tally is an overall number of people booked in association with the protest. "We don't classify arrestees by whether or not they're students at the university," Kristen Dark, a Travis County Sheriff's office spokesperson told CNN. * *Cal Poly Humboldt: *The California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt campus will remain closed through the weekend as protesters, including "unidentified non-students," continue to occupy two buildings, school officials said in an _update_ .