President Joe Biden delivered his first commencement address of the 2024 season at Morehouse College, where he faced growing student angst over his administration’s policies on the Israel-Hamas war. Morehouse, a historically Black, all-male college in Atlanta, saw backlash from some faculty members over Biden’s invitation, but the school stood firm in maintaining it despite the controversy. The White House sent Stephen Benjamin to speak with students ahead of Biden’s visit to address concerns and prepare for potential protests.
Biden has largely avoided addressing large crowds of young people on college campuses in recent months, following disruptions at George Mason University over his stance on Israel’s war in Gaza. Anger over the conflict has led to a wave of student demonstrations across campuses, with 97% being peaceful but isolated cases of property destruction and violence attracting attention. Recent incidents, like protests at Columbia University and the University of Texas, prompted Biden to denounce certain actions of campus protesters while acknowledging the right to dissent.
The Morehouse commencement, part of Biden’s efforts this week to engage with Black leaders and address historical racial inequities, follows meetings with plaintiffs from the Brown v. Board of Education case and a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Biden aims to connect with the next generation of Black leaders and is set to address an NAACP dinner in Detroit after his Morehouse speech. This marks Biden’s second visit to Morehouse during his presidency, following a speech on voting rights in 2022 with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The anticipation at Morehouse highlights the challenge facing Biden in addressing student frustrations over his administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Biden’s speech at the historically significant college, with alumni like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is seen as an opportunity for him to engage directly with young people and address their concerns. Despite the controversy surrounding his invitation, Biden is committed to delivering a message that resonates with the students and faculty at Morehouse, acknowledging the importance of their perspectives.
Biden’s approach to the Morehouse commencement reflects a broader strategy of engaging with various communities while navigating complex issues such as racial inequality and foreign policy conflicts. His efforts to connect with Black leaders and commemorate historical milestones demonstrate a commitment to addressing systemic injustices and preparing the next generation of leaders. By visiting Morehouse and other institutions with African American significance, Biden aims to recognize the contributions and challenges of Black communities while fostering dialogue and understanding.
Overall, Biden’s visit to Morehouse College and other engagements with Black leaders underscore his administration’s focus on racial justice and coalition-building. As he faces criticism and protests over his policies on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden is challenged to balance the right to dissent with maintaining order and respect for others. His interactions with students, faculty, and community leaders signal a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives and work towards solutions that address the nation’s historic racial shortcomings and shape its future leaders.
