Morehouse College recently held its commencement ceremony where a group of at least seven graduates and one faculty member protested President Biden’s address by turning their backs on him. The college praised the protesters, stating that peaceful assembly is a core value of their social justice tradition. Given Morehouse’s history and association with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the college saw the protest as a meaningful continuation of critical conversations. The college commended the class of 2024 for their unity and intentionality in organizing a silent protest.
The protest at Morehouse comes in the midst of nationwide campus demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza, with at least 35,000 Palestinians reported killed. President Biden addressed the protesters during his commencement speech, acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and expressing support for peaceful nonviolent protest. He called for an immediate cease-fire to stop the fighting and bring home hostages held by Hamas. Biden also reflected on American democracy and his role in safeguarding it, acknowledging the challenges faced in the Middle East.
Despite some backlash among the faculty and alumni, Biden’s presence at Morehouse’s commencement proceeded without disruptions. While applause for the president was subdued, protesters near the ceremony expressed their support for Palestine with signs and flags. Some graduates and faculty members turned their backs on Biden during his speech, and one student draped themselves in a Palestinian flag. Academics on stage also displayed a Congolese flag, drawing attention to the conflict in the African country and calling for American intervention to end the violence.
Morehouse College emphasized its support for peaceful protest and free expression of views, aligning with its social justice tradition and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The college recognized the importance of engaging in critical conversations and activism to foster change. President Biden’s acknowledgment of the protesters and his stance on the Gaza crisis resonated with the Morehouse community, highlighting the significance of advocating for justice and human rights both at home and abroad.
The protest at Morehouse College reflects a growing trend of activism and social awareness on college campuses across the country. Students and faculty are using their platforms to advocate for various social justice issues, including the conflict in the Middle East and civil rights violations in Africa. The peaceful protest at the commencement ceremony symbolizes a commitment to standing up for marginalized communities and challenging existing power structures. Morehouse’s administration stands by its students and faculty, recognizing the importance of peaceful assembly as a catalyst for positive change.
Overall, the protest at Morehouse College during President Biden’s commencement address underscores the ongoing struggle for social justice and human rights in the United States and around the world. The demonstration represents a powerful expression of dissent and calls for action in the face of injustice. As the conversation continues, it is evident that institutions like Morehouse are committed to nurturing a culture of activism and advocacy among their students and faculty, in alignment with their founding principles and enduring social justice tradition.
