Demonstrators at the University of Southern California call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, surprising many due to the university's history of limited political activism. USC, deeply ingrained in Los Angeles's power structure, has faced various scandals. Amidst this, the decision to cancel a valedictory address by a Muslim student stirred controversy. The university's forceful response to protests by pro-Palestinian students has sparked criticism and raised questions about the institution's treatment of free speech. The aftermath of the protests remains uncertain as the campus gates are closed to non-affiliates, reflecting the unprecedented impact and responses.