President Joe Biden is set to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College, which has sparked mixed reactions within the community due to concerns surrounding security measures and potential protests related to Biden’s support for Israel in the conflict with Hamas. Some students see this as an opportunity to bring attention to the college, while others are skeptical of the president’s motives for speaking at their school. The atmosphere on campus is described as confusing and disarrayed, with differing opinions among students and faculty members about Biden’s presence.
Biden’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza has led to protests on college campuses across the country, resulting in a unique situation for the president as he navigates avoiding progressive college voters who traditionally support the Democratic party. While Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have prioritized historically Black colleges and universities in their spring schedules, the Morehouse address is seen as a key test of the president’s strength with young voters of color leading up to the fall elections. Both Biden and his advisers are aware of the challenges ahead and have been preparing for the speech in battleground Georgia for weeks.
Morehouse College extended the invitation for Biden to speak at the commencement before the Israel-Hamas conflict started, and Biden is set to receive an honorary degree from the college. Student-led protests have been taking place on and off the campus, with demands for divestment from Israeli companies and corporations and the severing of ties with Israel in support of the Palestinian people. Some students are frustrated with both Biden and the college leadership for allowing the president to speak at the school, reflecting a range of opinions on campus.
Senior faculty at Morehouse College are working to minimize disruptions at the commencement ceremony by addressing concerns from students and holding meetings with the White House to discuss the upcoming visit. The White House has been preparing for potential protests at the event, as additional security measures have been implemented on campus in response to ongoing student protests. Student volunteers assisting with the graduation ceremony are undergoing de-escalation training to address any challenging situations that may arise, while academic buildings and student housing near the ceremony venue have been cleared out for security reasons.
The faculty’s primary concern is ensuring that the commencement ceremony remains focused on celebrating the graduating students, rather than becoming overshadowed by Biden’s presence. Biden and Harris have previously spoken at Morehouse College as part of a larger voting rights push, with the White House preparing for the possibility of protests at Sunday’s event. Overall, the commencement address at Morehouse College serves as a complex backdrop for Biden to navigate as he seeks to connect with young Black men and address the concerns of the community.
