PETA wants USC to stop releasing doves

The animal rights group called it a "callous" tradition.

Author

Tomoki Chien
September 03, 2024

PETA says dove releases tend to kill the ceremonial birds. (David Campbell via Flickr)

PETA urged USC to stop releasing live doves at graduation ceremonies in a pointed letter last week.

“Dove releases can be life-threatening for these captive-bred birds,” the animal rights organization wrote. “They’re not at all prepared to navigate and fend for themselves.”

The “callous” tradition, PETA wrote, tends to kill many of the symbolic birds. In a press release, the group linked to “empathy kits” for “people who need a lesson in kindness.”

The organization’s youth outreach arm is also offering rewards points to people who email USC President Carol Folt “politely” asking her to stop the tradition.

Earn enough points, and PETA will follow you on TikTok. Or, you can get a free “I’m Not a Nugget” sticker.

A USC spokesperson declined to comment for this story.