President Biden will deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, a historically Black institution and a key swing state he won in the 2020 election. The announcement of his speech sparked protests and calls for its cancellation due to his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some students and faculty at Morehouse oppose Mr. Biden’s invitation, reflecting broader tensions he faces within communities of color and young voters across the country. Concern over possible protests led to the installation of fences around the campus, with the college president warning of halting graduation ceremonies if demonstrations occur.
The White House sent a senior adviser to meet with students at Morehouse in an effort to address concerns and ensure peaceful protests that do not disrupt the graduation ceremony. Despite the opposition to Mr. Biden’s visit, college president David Thomas emphasized the importance of having him speak as a moment for Morehouse to hold tensions and divisions that threaten to divide society. The president’s visit comes at a critical time in Georgia, as recent polls show him losing to former President Trump if the election were held today, with both candidates focusing on shoring up support with Black voters during his visit.
Many younger Black individuals have expressed support for the Palestinian cause and have drawn parallels between Israeli rule and historical segregation practices in the United States and South Africa. Morehouse has faced criticism for inviting Mr. Biden, with faculty, alumni, and students raising concerns and organizing protests. Amidst the controversy, the college president met with students and alumni to discuss the situation, with a consistent message that uninviting the president was not an option. Discussions also took place regarding endowment investments and the college’s stance on U.S. foreign policy.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Morehouse have not faced the same level of protests and crackdowns from law enforcement seen at other institutions, but they have experienced peaceful demonstrations, petitions, and private meetings. The tensions surrounding Mr. Biden’s visit highlight broader discussions around foreign policy, racial justice, and the role of Black institutions in addressing contemporary social issues. Despite the controversy, Morehouse remains committed to celebrating graduation and ensuring a positive experience for students, with no seniors opting out of participating in the ceremony.
President Biden’s visit to Morehouse College is part of a series of engagements with Black communities, culminating in his commencement address to the graduating students. The speech takes on added significance as a moment for dialogue, reflection, and engagement with a key constituency that played a significant role in his election. The tensions and protests surrounding his visit underscore the complex and nuanced challenges facing the administration in addressing diverse perspectives and concerns within communities of color and young voters. As the president navigates these tensions and divisions, his message at Morehouse will be closely watched and analyzed for its impact on shaping future conversations and actions on critical issues facing the country.
