LA Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Camp at USC

Police in Los Angeles have dispersed a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Southern California (USC). Officers in riot gear entered the site early on Sunday, warning protesters of potential arrests if they did not vacate, according to reports from CBS, the BBC’s US partner.

Although no arrests were reported, USC President Carol Folt expressed gratitude to the police and campus security for clearing the camp “as peacefully and safely as possible.”

This action follows weeks of pro-Palestinian protests that have caused disruptions at several US universities. Northeastern University’s graduation ceremony in Boston on Sunday, held at Fenway Park, saw Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian chants from some graduating students, while others waved Israeli flags. Despite police presence, the event passed largely without incident.

At USC, the protest ended after police established a perimeter around the encampment. Zain Khan, a USC student journalist, stated that the camp, which had approximately 100 people, was cleared out by police officers and members of the university’s Department of Public Safety.

In a statement, Dr. Folt explained that the encampment had disrupted exams and preparations for commencement ceremonies, necessitating action to restore normalcy and safety to the campus and surrounding community.

The university had initiated disciplinary investigations into individuals who “violated our policies and the law” following clashes between police and protesters last month, resulting in 93 arrests. This incident occurred shortly after a similar encampment was cleared at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

US universities have faced increasing tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with calls for a Gaza ceasefire and divestment from companies linked to the conflict.

Demonstrations have taken place at nearly 140 institutions across 45 states and Washington DC since protests began at Columbia University last month, resulting in over 2,000 detentions nationwide.

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