USC Pro-Palestinian Encampment Cleared Again By Police

Police in riot gear cleared yet another encampment on the campus of the University of Southern California early Sunday morning.

Reports indicate as many as 100 protesterspitched tents and erected banners at Alumni Park, located at the center of the university.

Witnesses said officers moved in around 4 a.m. and quickly dispersed the protesters.

A statement issued by USC’s Senior Vice President of Communications Joel Curran confirmed the removal of the encampment. No arrests were immediately reported, but the statement indicated not all were peaceful.

Encampments at USC have now been established and taken down three times, resulting in restricted access to the university. Disturbances grew in the wake of USC’s decision not to let a pro-Palestinian valedictorian speak at its main graduation ceremony.

The USC actions mirror those at other campuses throughout the country. UCLA in particular was the scene of violent confrontations between its encampment and a pro-Israel attack, and then a massive police clearance.