The University of Southern California’s academic senate voted to censure President Carol Folt and Provost Andrew T. Guzman after a series of controversial decisions that sparked outrage among faculty members and students.
The tumultuous weeks at USC included the cancellation of a Muslim student’s valedictory address, the swift removal of a protest encampment, and the involvement of police in arresting protesters. The faculty members expressed “widespread dissatisfaction and concern” about the administration’s actions, leading to the censure of Dr. Folt and Provost Guzman.
While the vote represented only a fraction of the university’s faculty members, it was seen as a significant move with far-reaching implications. Some faculty members quietly sympathized with Dr. Folt, but the lack of communication and the handling of the protests raised serious concerns among the academic community.
Dr. Folt acknowledged the different viewpoints within the Trojan community and committed to working with the academic senate and the wider faculty moving forward. The recent disruptions have once again put USC under an unflattering spotlight, despite efforts to move past previous scandals and missteps.
The university’s response to the protests and the cancellation of the commencement ceremony have left many parents and students distressed. Dr. Folt and Provost Guzman welcomed engagement with a task force to investigate the decisions made by administrators, signaling a willingness to address the concerns raised by the academic senate.
As USC focuses on celebrating the Class of 2024, the fallout from the recent events continues to reverberate within the university community. The censure of top administrators reflects the deep divisions and frustrations that have emerged in the wake of the controversial decisions made by the administration.
