USC: Examining the Impact of Lockdown on the University | Perspectives

Last spring, USC President Carol Folt faced backlash after 93 protesters were arrested on campus and students and faculty were threatened with sanctions. Despite claiming she would have handled the situation differently, USC has doubled down on repressive measures, including increased security measures and disciplinary actions. The campus now feels like a fortress, with restricted access and heightened surveillance. This crackdown is part of a nationwide trend of universities stifling free expression, with USC ranking near the bottom in a recent survey. The militarized presence on campus has a negative impact on students, the surrounding community, and particularly students of color. The university’s security-first approach, led by former FBI agent Erroll Southers, is biased against those protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The wealthy Board of Trustees, including pro-Israel billionaires, supports these actions. University faculty are calling for a return to open dialogue and academic freedom on campus. It is not too late for USC and other universities to reverse course, drop sanctions, and create a more inclusive and open campus environment.

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