University of Southern California Statement on Academic Boycotts

Universities are often asked to participate in academic and cultural boycotts and sanctions that represent the interests of our diverse communities, such as the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign (BDS). The University of Southern California believes in the core principle of academic freedom, and has a longstanding position against such boycotts on the grounds that a robust…

Working Group on IFC Culture, Prevention, and Accountability Update

A key feature of our strategy is to develop a strong partnership with IFC chapter members and leadership, student government and other appropriate student groups, national fraternity leaders, prevention and safety experts, and other stakeholders to ensure IFC activities are positive and safe for all. I am pleased to report that this partnership is working well, and that IFC leaders have demonstrated a commitment and willingness to address the challenges within their organizations. (Read more)…

DPS Community Advisory Board – Implementation Update

During the 2020-2021 academic year, our 19-member CAB spent 10 months conducting a thorough examination of USC’s public safety practices, including hiring, finances, accountability, and bias training. To ensure an inclusive community-wide process… (Read more)…

DPS Community Advisory Board Report

Dear Trojan Community,
Since announcing our Call to Action last June, the Trojan community has come together in a number of important efforts to advance belonging and equity on our campuses. Over the past year… (Read more)…

Joint Statement about the California State Court Global Settlement

USC and the 710 women who filed civil cases in Los Angeles Superior Court involving George Tyndall have reached a global agreement that is fair and reasonable. The $852 million settlement will end this litigation in state court. The USC Board of Trustees has ratified the settlement. (Read more)…

Letter to the Trojan Community from President Carol L. Folt

Dear USC Community,
I am writing to let you know that the remaining litigation against USC, arising from the abuse of patients by former Student Health physician George Tyndall, has been resolved. I am deeply sorry for the pain experienced by the women who trusted him as a physician and appreciate the courage of all who came forward. (Read more)…

Letter to the Trojan Community from Board of Trustees Chair Rick Caruso

Dear USC Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am writing to underscore the significance of today’s settlement agreement for the victims of George Tyndall and to assure you that critical steps have been taken to prevent such horrific acts from ever happening again at USC. (Read more)…

U.S. Education Department, USC Reach Agreement to Confront and Prevent Sexual Harassment

The University of Southern California announced today that it has reached a Resolution Agreement with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to ensure that USC will improve its policies and processes for preventing and responding to sexual harassment to fully comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

“We share OCR’s mission to foster a campus environment free from discrimination and harassment. There is no higher priority for me than protecting the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and patients,” President Carol Folt said….

Annenberg Values Poll town hall prompts conversations about culture values

(USC Annenberg Media) The Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism administration is taking steps to shift the culture and values within USC. One of the first steps is the Annenberg Culture Journey Town Hall which explored the results of the Values Poll and the next steps.

“This is not going to be a one-year or two-year engagement. It’s a multiple-year engagement that’s really important because this is the start of conversation for us to figure out as a community, where do we want to go,” James Vasquez, Associate Dean of Operations, said during the town hall….