President Joe Biden is set to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College on May 19, but some faculty members have expressed concerns about this decision. Morehouse College’s provost, Kendrick Brown, sent an email to faculty members addressing the rumors and announced a virtual meeting to discuss the selection of the commencement speaker. It is speculated that administrators fear faculty and students may protest Biden during the ceremony. The pushback from faculty members comes in the midst of nationwide protests on college campuses over Biden’s support for Israel in its conflict against Hamas in Gaza.
Commencement season is typically an opportunity for presidents to reach young audiences and deliver keynote addresses highlighting their accomplishments and future plans. In an election year, these speeches can hold particular significance. However, Biden’s addresses this year are expected to be contentious due to ongoing protests over his handling of the conflict in Gaza. The president is facing challenges with younger voters, as well as some Black voters who are not enthusiastic about supporting his candidacy. Morehouse College, as a Historically Black College and University, is seen as an important platform for Biden to engage with these groups.
According to Brown’s email, Morehouse extended its invitation to Biden back in September and does not intend to rescind it. The upcoming meeting with faculty aims to address any questions or concerns about the decision to invite the president as the commencement speaker. The college has already faced student activism regarding the conflict in Gaza, such as a student pulling down an Israeli flag from the chapel earlier this year. Students at Morehouse have expressed dissatisfaction with how the United States has handled the situation and the impact of the conflict on both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.
Pro-Palestinian protests have been prevalent on college campuses across the country, leading to tensions and concerns among college administrations. The decision to invite Biden as a commencement speaker has sparked conversations about how the conflict in Gaza has been handled by the United States government and the presidency. While there are individuals excited about having a sitting president speak at their commencement, there are also those who are critical of Biden’s stance on the issue. The controversy at Morehouse College reflects broader debates and activism surrounding international conflicts and the political positions of government leaders.
It is noted that in recent months, protests and demonstrations against Biden’s support for Israel in the Gaza conflict have led to a scaling back of his appearances at college campuses. The president’s position on the conflict has generated controversy and criticism, particularly among younger demographics and minority voters. The White House declined to comment on the situation at Morehouse and the potential protests surrounding Biden’s commencement address. The college’s decision to invite the president as the speaker underscores the complex dynamics of addressing political issues and engaging with divergent perspectives within academic institutions.
Overall, Morehouse College’s choice to invite President Biden to deliver the commencement address has sparked debate and concerns among faculty members, students, and the broader community. The decision comes amidst protests and activism on college campuses nationwide over Biden’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The upcoming meeting at Morehouse aims to address faculty concerns and provide a forum for discussion. The controversy reflects larger tensions and debates over international conflicts and the political stances of government leaders, particularly in the context of commencement season and the engagement of young audiences.
