The University of Southern California recently announced the cancellation of its main-stage graduation ceremony due to safety measures that would have prolonged the processing time for the large number of attendees. This decision followed campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as controversy surrounding the selection of the class valedictorian. The university clarified that while the main ceremony was called off, other graduation events would proceed as planned. This move drew criticism from students, with one senior expressing disappointment and labeling the decision as cowardly. Additionally, it was revealed that several scheduled speakers and honorees, such as Jon M. Chu and Billie Jean King, would not be in attendance.