Another victory for AIM: University of Southern California President Carol Folt steps down
November 8, 2024
The University of Southern California has faced mounting criticism for its handling of a surge in antisemitism on campus, with many pointing to the administration’s failure to adequately address the issue.
The university’s president, Carol Folt, has been at the center of the controversy, as both student and faculty actions promoting hate have gone largely unchecked.
And now, Folt has announced she will step down from her position.
Across campus, there have been repeated instances where students openly advocated for violence and faculty members endorsed harmful rhetoric without facing any repercussions.
This pattern of inaction has left many questioning the university’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. As a result, Folt herself is now facing the fallout of these unresolved issues.
Calls for accountability — including direct ones from Accuracy in Media and our network of activists — have reached USC’s Board of Trustees, urging them to select a new leader who will take a stronger stand against racism and antisemitism on campus.
In the aftermath of this leadership crisis, the hope is that USC will bring in someone who prioritizes a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of hate and discrimination, ensuring that every member of the university community feels protected and respected.
With the university’s reputation on the line, the next choice of leadership will be critical in rebuilding trust and setting a new standard for what is acceptable behavior on campus. The time for decisive action is now, and the message to USC’s Board of Trustees is clear: hire a leader who can restore integrity and safety to the campus environment.