USC Faculty Censures University President, Provost Over Commencement Handling
Amidst mounting concerns and widespread dissatisfaction, the University of Southern California’s (USC) Academic Senate has cast a critical vote to censure President Carol Folt and Provost Andrew Guzman for their management of recent commencement-related controversies.
Censured for Mishandling
In a heated meeting spanning several hours, faculty members condemned the decision to remove valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s commencement speech, which subsequently led to the cancellation of all commencement speakers and the main graduation ceremony itself.
Pro-Palestinian Demonstration Concerns
Beyond just the commencement fiasco, the Academic Senate expressed serious reservations about the administration’s conduct toward pro-Palestinian demonstrators on campus. The arrest of 93 protesters by the Los Angeles Police Department ignited outrage among faculty and students.
A Resolution of Disapproval
Reflecting the deep unease within the academic community, the Senate overwhelmingly approved a resolution to censure President Folt and Provost Guzman by a commanding 21-7 margin. This action formally expresses widespread discontent over the handling of these critical events.
Task Force Commissioned
The resolution also mandates the immediate formation of a task force to thoroughly investigate “campus events over the last several months related to the conflict in the Middle East.” The task force is tasked with delivering a comprehensive public report of its findings by mid-September.
Administration Response
In a statement, President Folt and Provost Guzman acknowledged the censure and welcomed the opportunity for ongoing engagement with the task force. However, they emphasized that their current priority is to celebrate the 19,000 graduates of the Class of 2024 during the upcoming “Trojan Family Graduate Celebration” at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on May 9.
Campus Climate
The censure of President Folt and Provost Guzman underscores the simmering tensions and concerns within the USC community. The controversies surrounding commencement and the handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations have deeply affected the campus climate, and it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
