Calls to cancel President Joe Biden’s planned commencement speech at Morehouse College have arisen due to his support for Israel. Morehouse, a historically Black college in Atlanta, announced that Biden would deliver the keynote address during the graduation ceremony on May 19. Some students and faculty at Morehouse have opposed Biden’s speech due to Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they believe have been aided by Biden. The president’s support for Israel, including signing a bill authorizing $26 billion in military aid to the country, has sparked backlash among those who view Biden’s actions as complicit in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Biden’s support for Israel has also raised concerns among Black voters, particularly in Georgia, where polls indicate a decrease in support for the president. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Biden’s visit to Morehouse has come under scrutiny as critics point out the potential impact on his standing among Black voters. Morehouse President David Thomas expressed excitement about Biden’s presence, highlighting the college’s commitment to excellence and positive change. However, the continued support for Biden’s speech has sparked controversy within the Morehouse community.
Morehouse students and faculty have expressed opposition to Biden’s stance on Israel, with some calling him “Genocide Joe” due to his support for the country’s actions in Gaza. Alumni have drafted a letter urging the college to rescind the invitation to Biden, citing a conflict with the institution’s legacy of advocating for justice and nonviolence. Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and a reconsideration of Biden’s commencement address highlight the division within the Morehouse community over the president’s visit. Some faculty members have indicated that they will not participate in the event if Biden is allowed to speak.
Despite the backlash and calls for cancellation, the White House remains committed to Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the event is about celebrating the accomplishments of the graduates and their families, indicating that Biden is looking forward to the occasion. The president’s intention to attend the graduation ceremony underscores the administration’s stance on engaging with different communities, including Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, and Palestinian Americans, in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The controversy surrounding Biden’s commencement speech at Morehouse College illuminates the complexities of his support for Israel and the implications for his relationship with the Black community. As protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza continue, the debate over Biden’s visit to Morehouse reflects broader tensions within the community. The clash between upholding the college’s legacy of justice and nonviolence and Biden’s policies highlights the challenges of navigating political allegiances and moral principles in a divisive political landscape. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with the commencement address may leave lasting repercussions within the Morehouse community and beyond.
