President Joe Biden’s invitation to speak at Morehouse College’s commencement ceremony on May 19th has sparked controversy among faculty and supporters, potentially exposing him to protests as he seeks reelection. Critics are condemning the administration’s decision, citing Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and its implications for genocide in Gaza, which they argue contradicts Martin Luther King Jr.’s pacifist teachings. The announcement has drawn backlash from some within the Morehouse community, who circulated an online letter calling for President David Thomas to rescind the invitation. According to the letter, obtained by The Associated Press, Biden’s approach to the conflict effectively supports genocide and violates King’s stance on nonviolence. The letter emphasized King’s opposition to the Vietnam War and his belief that war diminishes humanity as a whole, urging Morehouse to uphold this tradition by withdrawing its invitation to Biden.
Morehouse Provost Kendrick Brown acknowledged concerns about the invitation, but stated that the school issued it last September, before the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. He invited faculty to an online forum on Thursday to discuss the matter, but maintained that the college would not rescind the invitation.
The controversy underscores Biden’s ongoing challenges with Black Americans, despite his efforts to engage with HBCUs. While a majority of Black adults approve of Biden’s job performance, his approval ratings have declined since he took office. The president has also faced criticism from progressives over his support for Israel, an issue that has proven vexing for him.
Biden’s visit to Georgia, where he narrowly won in 2020, could provide an opportunity for him to address concerns and shore up support among Black voters. The president has previously spoken at Howard University, the alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting the importance of HBCUs.
As Biden seeks reelection, his ability to navigate the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and address the concerns of Black voters could significantly impact his chances in battleground states such as Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.
