Staff Reports
President Joe Biden delivered a speech at Morehouse University that stirred controversy as over 100 pro-Hamas protesters demonstrated outside the event. As the president and other graduates entered the facility, a group of students and staff showed support for Palestine by wearing attire and accessories with Palestinian symbolism. Some students went as far as turning their backs on the president during his speech to express their dissatisfaction with his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Morehouse College Grads Turn Their Backs on Joe Biden
Morehouse College Students looked the other way when Biden spoke. It was a damning REBUKE of his policies. https://t.co/e2NiIbSkTp
— Penny Calls a Lid 🇺🇸🇮🇹 (@PSwal807) May 20, 2024
The New York Times reported that none of the students stood up when President Biden was introduced as the commencement speaker, but almost half of the alumni section stood. During his address, Biden focused on the Israel-Hamas war, expressing concern for the situation in Gaza and advocating for an immediate ceasefire. The Morehouse valedictorian also urged for a swift end to the conflict, which Biden supported with applause.
Biden’s speech at Morehouse reflects his efforts to regain the support of the black community in preparation for the 2024 election. Recent polls indicate increased support for former President Donald Trump among black voters during this election cycle. The president also highlighted job opportunities for Black Americans, and emphasized the need to address white supremacy and systemic racism in the country.
