USC students join nationwide Gaza solidarity occupation

University of Southern California students have joined the nationwide Gaza solidarity occupation. The USC Divest From Death's Gaza Solidarity Occupation, which commenced on Wednesday, April 24, is taking place at Alumni Park on the main campus. This marks one of the first Los Angeles-based universities to participate in the National Student’s Justice for Palestine’s (SJP) popular University for Gaza movement, joining the ranks of universities such as Columbia University, Yale, and the University of California, Berkeley.

In a statement released to the press,the Divest from Death USC coalition stated that the campus occupation was an “act of solidarity with the people of Palestine as they resist genocide and continue in their struggle for liberation.” This comes after months of rising tensions, with many students alleging that university administrators have played an active role in suppressing pro-Palestian voices on campus.

Among the listed demands from the coalition are an end to the war profiteering and investment in genocide, as well as a complete academic boycott of Israel. The central call for action is that the university fully disclose and divest its finances and endowment from companies and institutions that “profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide, and occupation in Palestine, including the U.S. Military and weapons manufacturing.” They also listed the protection of free speech on campus and provided full amnesty to all students, staff, and faculty disciplined, penalized or fired for their pro-Palestine activism.

The student-led occupation takes place during a critical period of controversy at USC, closely following international coverage of the university’s cancellation of the Muslim valedictorian's speech. Asna Tabassum, who was selected by the university administration as the 2024 commencement speaker, was subjected to zionist doxxing and harassment after it was discovered that she shared a link on her social media that supported pro-Palestinian sentiments. 

The decision to remove Tabassum, and eventually cancel the entire commencement ceremony altogether, was met with widespread criticism from students, faculty and alumni, who saw it as a violation of free speech and disrespect for the hard work and achievements of the valedictorian. The university, however, defended its decision, citing “safety concerns.”

 As the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continues to rise, student-led encampments across college campuses are growing. Despite the implementation of academic disciplinary measures and the involvement of police forces, the demonstrations continue. University students remain in solidarity by amplifying the message of divestment from institutions that profit from Israeli apartheid and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.