LOS ANGELES — The University of Southern California announced Thursday that it is canceling its main May commencement ceremony, capping a dramatic series of moves that began last week after it informed valedictorian Asna Tabassum, who had been opposed by pro-Israel groups, that she would not be delivering the traditional speech.

In ending the university-wide May 10 graduation altogether, which was expected to draw 65,000 people to Alumni Park, USC aimed to quell the controversy that grew as it dismantled aspects of the ceremony, drawing criticism from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activists nationwide.

“We understand that this is disappointing; however, we are adding many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely USC, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the celebratory releasing of the doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band,” USC said in a statement.

The university also announced that it will require tickets for “all commencement events taking place on May 8-11” and direct “all campus access through specific points of entry.”

Since citing unspecified security threats as the reason for canceling Tabassum’s speech, USC has faced multiple on-campus protests, including an pro-Palestinian encampment occupied by students calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and divestment from weapons manufacturers with links to Israel. That demonstration led to the LAPD making dozens of arrests. USC joins campuses across the country where conflict has deepened since Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7.

Before canceling the entire ceremony, university officials had followed their cancellation of Tabassum’s speech by calling off a speech by director Jon M. Chu and appearances on the main stage by honorary doctorate recipients, including tennis star Billie Jean King, saying they wanted to “keep the focus on our graduates.”

Twenty-three satellite graduation ceremonies at USC’s schools and colleges will continue as scheduled, in addition to smaller departmental receptions.

That includes keynote addresses by some who were told not to appear on the main stage but who had already been booked for smaller commencement ceremonies, including King, who is scheduled to address Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism graduates on May 10.

King has not responded to interview requests from The Times.

National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, who was also deprived of the chance to receive an honorary degree on the main stage, is scheduled to deliver a May 10 keynote speech to graduates of the USC Price School of Public Policy.

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