Carol Folt has announced she will step down as USC's president in July.
According to the New York Post, Carol Folt, the leader of the University of Southern California, will leave her post in July after a presidency marked by on-campus protests supporting Hamas and ensuing antisemitism fears.
Carol Folt, aged 73, became the USC president in 2019. During her presidency, she faced unprecedented challenges following a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which stirred significant controversy and division on campus.
Following the attack, pro-Hamas rallies erupted, culminating in a massive student protest on April 24, 2024. This conflict led to the arrests of 93 protestors and forced the cancellation of USC’s main graduation ceremony due to safety concerns.
The growing antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric at these demonstrations reached such intensity that it resulted in the withdrawal of a planned speech by a Muslim valedictorian, exposing deeper communal divides.
The decision surrounding President Folt's contract renewal also reflected the tensions. The USC board of trustees offered her an unclear extension, influencing her decision to step down.
Carol Folt expressed her feelings about leaving USC to return to academia. She will resume her career as a tenured professor at USC following her departure as president.
"After more than twenty years of leadership at three great universities, I am excited to embrace the freedom that comes with a next big leap, and to pass the baton to the next president who will be able to build upon our accomplishments and create a new chapter for this extraordinary institution."
Suzanne Nora Johnson, chair of the USC board, commended Folt's steadfast dedication to addressing challenging issues from both past and present administrations, maintaining her focus on future institutional goals.
The protests and Folt's departure underline the complexities of managing a large educational institution amid global geopolitical conflicts that resonate within campus life.
Looking ahead, USC will need to appoint a new leader who can reconcile these campus divisions and focus on healing and inclusivity.
The controversy surrounding antisemitism and political demonstrations has marked Carol Folt’s tenure, showcasing both the challenges and the resilience of university leadership.
As Carol Folt prepares to transition out of her role, she reflects on a tenure filled with both achievements and trials, emphasizing the dynamic and demanding nature of university administration.
With Carol Folt’s retirement in July, the university is at a critical juncture, requiring strong leadership to navigate through these ongoing challenges and mend the community fabric. The future of USC now lies in the selection of a successor who can uphold the university's prestigious legacy while fostering an environment of openness and respect.
