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USC cancels gubernatorial debate after backlash over exclusion of candidates of color
Civil Rights

USC cancels gubernatorial debate after backlash over exclusion of candidates of color

CBS News
March 24, 2026
3 min read

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USC canceled a gubernatorial debate after facing backlash over excluding candidates of color from the event.

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USC canceled a gubernatorial debate scheduled for Tuesday after facing backlash over the exclusion of candidates of color from the event. The university had applied a selection methodology designed by a professor, which the school defended as "air tight," but the approach drew criticism for its discriminatory effect on minority candidates. The cancellation reflects growing scrutiny of debate formats and candidate-selection criteria in high-profile political events. USC did not immediately announce plans to reschedule the debate or revise its selection process. The incident underscores tension between institutional neutrality claims and the real-world impact of debate criteria on candidate representation.

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USC canceled the gubernatorial debate it was set to host.

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