Results for: Morehouse College

President Joe Biden addressed protests against the Gaza war at Morehouse College, a historically Black university, promising to hear the voices of students. While some students turned their backs during the ceremony, Biden expressed his support for non-violent protests and his efforts towards a ceasefire and lasting peace in Gaza. He also emphasized the humanitarian crisis in the region and the need for an independent Palestinian state. Alongside his outreach to Gaza protesters, Biden’s speech aimed to engage with Black voters amid declining support. The event was part of a series of efforts to address issues of democracy and racism, particularly relevant in light of former President Trump’s rhetoric and actions.

President Biden will address Morehouse College’s graduating class on Sunday, seeking to rally support among Black voters ahead of the 2024 election. His speech comes amidst ongoing protests at colleges nationwide and criticism from Morehouse students over his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden’s visit follows the announcement of $16 billion in funding for historically Black colleges, including Morehouse.

President Joe Biden will deliver the commencement speech at Morehouse College, Georgia, but faces potential protests over his support for Israel. Despite the invitation being extended in September, before the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, some faculty and alumni have expressed disapproval. Biden’s pro-Israel stance contradicts the pacifism advocated by Morehouse’s alumnus, Martin Luther King Jr. The controversy threatens to overshadow policy priorities highlighted by the Biden administration on Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campuses.

The visit marks Biden’s second consecutive spring address to an HBCU graduating class, following his speech at Howard University in 2023.

Biden’s standing among Black Americans has declined since his inauguration, and the Israel issue has led to protests from progressives. The upcoming election may hinge on his support in battleground states like Georgia, where Trump lost by a narrow margin.

President Joe Biden’s invitation to speak at Morehouse College’s commencement has sparked controversy among some faculty and supporters due to his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Critics claim that Biden’s approach effectively supports genocide in Gaza and contradicts Martin Luther King Jr.’s pacifist stance. The White House confirmed Biden’s May 19th speech at Morehouse, where he will also address the graduating class at West Point. The controversy stems from concerns raised by Morehouse alumni who circulated an online letter urging the school to rescind the invitation based on Biden’s Israel-related policies. The letter emphasizes King’s opposition to the Vietnam War and his belief that war diminishes humanity. Despite faculty concerns, Morehouse Provost Kendrick Brown affirmed the school’s invitation to Biden, which was reportedly issued in September before the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated. The controversy highlights Biden’s ongoing challenges with Black Americans, as his approval ratings have declined among the group since he took office. The president’s speech at Morehouse will mark the second consecutive year he has addressed a graduating class at a historically Black college, following his commencement address at Howard University in 2023. Biden’s visit to Georgia, a key battleground state in the 2020 election, underscores his efforts to shore up support among Black voters.

A coalition of faculty and staff members from Georgia universities has vehemently opposed Morehouse College’s decision to have President Biden address its graduating class. The group, Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine – Georgia (FSJP), believes Biden’s presence will damage the institution’s reputation, alienate donors, and prompt protests. Their concerns stem from pro-Palestinian demonstrations at other universities, which have led to arrests and disciplinary actions. Biden’s invitation comes amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests and his efforts to secure support in the upcoming presidential election, where Georgia is a crucial swing state.

President Biden will deliver a pair of commencement addresses next month, speaking at Morehouse College on May 19 and the U.S. Military Academy on May 25. His appearance at Morehouse College, a historically Black college, comes as the Biden administration has prioritized engagement with HBCUs through executive actions and funding. Biden’s visit to West Point, an annual tradition for the president, marks his second time speaking at the academy’s commencement ceremony.

President Biden will deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College in Georgia on May 19, marking his second consecutive year speaking to a graduating class at a historically Black school. This appearance comes as polls suggest Biden needs to work towards maintaining high levels of support among Black voters, particularly younger ones, and follows concerns about possible protests during his visit. The President’s speech will focus on key policy achievements and priorities, such as increased federal funding for HBCUs, student loan debt forgiveness, and initiatives to address racial disparities in income and wealth. Morehouse, founded in 1867, is the alma mater of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Raphael Warnock, and its approximately 9,000 students make up part of a larger population of Black college students across the country who often rely on Pell Grants and student loans to fund their education.