USC: The university of lockdown

Last spring, the University of Southern California faced significant unrest when 93 protesters were arrested during peaceful demonstrations on campus. This incident prompted USC President Carol Folt to seek de-escalation strategies, as faculty questioned her decision to involve heavily armed police to dismantle the protest encampment located just minutes from her office. The university's response has led to a campus environment characterized by heightened security and surveillance, reminiscent of airport protocols. The administration's actions have raised concerns about the implications for free expression and academic freedom, particularly in light of a national trend among universities to impose stricter measures against protests. The atmosphere at USC has become increasingly repressive, with students and faculty facing potential civil and academic sanctions for their involvement in protests. This has resulted in a pervasive sense of fear and surveillance on campus, affecting the community's perception of the university. Erroll Southers, the vice president for safety and risk assurance, has been central to the university's security-first approach, drawing on his background as a former FBI agent. The administration's heavy-handed tactics have sparked outrage among faculty members, who are now tasked with defending the rights of students and advocating for a return to a more open and inclusive campus culture. As the university remains in a state of lockdown, there is a growing call for President Folt and other college leaders to reconsider their strategies. The hope is that they will prioritize free expression, lift sanctions against students, and restore a sense of community and openness that has been lost in the wake of recent events.