The USC campus has been a hub of activity these last few days. Some students and instructors have come together in solidarity during this time of controversy.
One example is the group that gathered today in front of Tommy Trojan. They spoke about yesterday’s demonstrations, and how the police disbursed them and arrested some 90 people. The faculty at Tommy Trojan made clear that they stand with the students’ right to exercise free speech.
One speaker talked to Annenberg Media, but only on the condition of anonymity. They do not like the recent decisions, such as canceling the valedictorian’s speech, made by USC leadership.
Our group, which is wide ranging and representative of all faculty from different schools, knew what to expect, I think, from the administration, and we’re concerned. And so, we’re here to show support.
Without what happened yesterday happening again.
There should not have been, by any means an escalation of with armed police, either from DPS or from the LAPD. It’s insane. To think that what we’re seeing this afternoon with this wonderful peaceful gathering, this is what yesterday would have been had it not been for escalation.
Across campus fewer than a dozen Jewish students gathered at the Hoover gate to show their solidarity for the hostages who’ve been held in Gaza for 200 days. The Jewish holiday of Passover is taking place now and these students set up a large Passover Seder table. It was surrounded by empty chairs, each one to symbolize the hostages whose photos were placed at the table.
Rena Harcombe is a student who helped organize this display.
Harcombe: I’ve been a little more hesitant to spread talking about my views, even though I’m usually very vocal. But I just the purpose of today is just like to educate like, I don’t think it’s like, two sides against each other. I think like if we like speak, and like communicate with each other, like will understand that we’re all we all want the same thing.
Another student, Sabrina Jehan, says there have been some uncomfortable times on campus recently.
Jehan: It was ostracizing as a Jewish student to pass by and get yelled at. Honestly, it was apparent, I was shocked. So, I think today, we realized after in the wake of what happened yesterday, this display was all the more necessary for our community.
Outside of Taper Hall. about 50 students put on what they called a Die-In. A peaceful protest to call attention to the death and destruction in Gaza.