USC’s Tommy Trojan Statue Defaced Amid Gaza War Protests, Commencement Canceled

USC’s iconic Tommy Trojan statue has become a focal point of protest amidst the ongoing tensions related to the Gaza war, resulting in significant campus unrest and the defacement of the statue. During a recent demonstration at the university, the base of the statue was spray-painted with the words “Say no to genocide,” reflecting the intense sentiments among the protestors. This protest led to 90 arrests, highlighting the escalated tensions on campus.

Despite the protest being more controlled compared to previous days, the atmosphere at USC remains charged. In response to the heightened security concerns, the university made the difficult decision to cancel its commencement ceremonies. Rick Caruso, a USC board of Trustees member, discussed the situation on “TMZ Live,” expressing concerns about potential chaos and safety risks if the event proceeded with an expected crowd of 70,000.

Caruso also commended USC President Carol Folt for her steadfast efforts to maintain safety and order on campus, contrasting this with what he perceives as inadequate responses from administrations at other institutions, such as Columbia University. Meanwhile, a USC official criticized the actions of some demonstrators, accusing them of harassing students, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing campus tensions.

Tommy Trojan vandalized #USC pic.twitter.com/0kQxAYYppY

— Jacob Wheeler (@JWheelertv) April 28, 2024