Biden Urges Gaza Cease-Fire at Morehouse, Minimal Protests

President Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College was marked by a significant call for peace, as he urged for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza amidst ongoing conflicts. Despite concerns of disruptions, the speech proceeded without major protests, allowing Biden to deliver his first remarks on a college campus since nationwide protests began.

During the address, President Biden emphasized his administration’s relentless efforts to broker a deal to end the conflict in Gaza and push for a viable two-state solution. The audience listened attentively, with only a few instances of dissent visible as some students and a faculty member displayed Palestinian flags and turned their backs on the president.

Valedictorian DeAngelo Fletcher took the opportunity to address the Gaza conflict directly, calling for an immediate and permanent cease-fire. His statement was met with both applause and a gesture of solidarity from Biden, who shook Fletcher’s hand after his speech.

The backdrop of Biden’s speech was set against a turbulent college graduation season marked by widespread student protests and walkouts. In April, campuses nationwide saw pro-Palestinian protests demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel and opposing the Gaza conflict. Many of these demonstrations ended in clashes with police as they dismantled protest encampments.

The decision to invite President Biden was not without controversy, as some Morehouse students called for the invitation to be rescinded. However, the college stood firm, and President David A. Thomas made it clear that any disruptive behavior during the ceremony would lead to its immediate cessation.

Aside from the focus on Gaza, Biden’s address also highlighted his commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), promising an additional $16 billion in investment. This announcement received enthusiastic applause from the audience, underscoring the importance of such institutions in the education landscape.

In a poignant moment, Biden criticized those who propagate xenophobic views, quoting former President Trump. This statement resonated strongly, given the current political climate and ongoing debates around immigration and national identity.

The event also carried historical significance, as Biden followed in the footsteps of former President Obama, who spoke at Morehouse College in 2013. Both presidents referenced Dr. King, highlighting the college’s legacy of activism and social justice.

Amidst the ceremony, a faculty member unfurled a flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, drawing attention to conflicts beyond Gaza. This act served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of advocacy on college campuses.