Many students at Morehouse, a prestigious historically Black men’s college in Atlanta, were opposed to Biden speaking at their graduation ceremony. They expressed their frustration with his administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.
He expressed, “We witnessed an extraordinary display of grief from people all over the world for the countless lives lost, including innocent men, women, and children. It was remarkable to see the global community united in their plea for the release of all hostages, transcending barriers of language and culture. As a proud alumnus of Morehouse College, and above all, as a fellow human being, I firmly advocate for an urgent and enduring ceasefire in the Gaza strip.”
Fletcher concluded his remarks by urging the people of the world to raise their voices and sing the song of righteous justice.
The generational divide was evident during the graduation ceremony. While older alumni and top university figures mostly supported Biden’s invitation to Morehouse, many young alumni had reservations about it.
During a recent interview with NPR, President David Thomas of Morehouse College stated that he was ready to halt the ceremony if the disruptions escalated to a point where police intervention might be necessary.
As the president addressed the audience, a number of graduates chose to express their dissent by turning their backs, as reported by The Atlanta Voice. Additionally, several Morehouse graduates added a touch of symbolism to their graduation attire by adorning their shoulders with keffiyeh scarves, which are traditionally associated with Palestinians.
During his speech, Biden acknowledged that he had heard the voices of the graduates concerning Gaza.
Georgia, a crucial swing state that Biden secured in the 2020 election, could significantly influence enthusiasm for his campaign. This is particularly true for young and Black voters, both of whom are essential in securing victory in the state.
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