Biden will speak at Morehouse College graduation, worrying faculty

President Joe Biden has been chosen to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College on May 19. However, this decision has sparked concerns among some faculty members at the college, as reported by NBC News.

Kendrick Brown, Morehouse College’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, addressed the faculty’s concerns in an email on Friday. He mentioned receiving inquiries from faculty members regarding rumors about President Biden being selected as the 2024 Commencement speaker. Brown scheduled a virtual meeting for Thursday to allow faculty members to share their perspectives on the selection.

There is a fear among the college’s administrators that faculty members might join students in protesting against Biden during the ceremony. This pushback against the leadership stems from ongoing protests on college campuses over Biden’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Commencement season is traditionally a time for presidents to address young audiences and share insights into their achievements and the future. However, Biden’s speeches this year are anticipated to be contentious due to protests over his stance on the Gaza conflict. The President is facing challenges with younger voters, as well as a lack of enthusiasm among many Black voters.

Speaking at a historically Black college like Morehouse could offer Biden an opportunity to connect with the audience. The White House declined to comment on this issue.

According to Brown’s email, Morehouse originally invited Biden in September, and the college plans to officially announce him as the speaker early this week. Despite the concerns raised, the college does not intend to rescind its invitation to President Biden. The upcoming meeting with faculty members aims to address questions and facilitate discussions about the invitation.

Like other colleges, Morehouse has witnessed students expressing their views on the Gaza conflict. In a previous incident, a student at the college removed an Israeli flag from the chapel, leading to detention by campus police. The student’s actions reflected a sentiment against how the United States has handled the situation in Gaza.

There is a mix of emotions among the Morehouse community regarding Biden’s selection as the commencement speaker. While some have reservations about his handling of the Gaza conflict, others are excited to have a sitting president deliver the address. The ongoing global concerns about the war in Gaza have resonated within the college campus.

Overall, the decision to have President Biden as the commencement speaker at Morehouse College has sparked a complex conversation within the college community. As the event approaches, it remains to be seen how the administration will address the various perspectives and ensure a meaningful and respectful ceremony for all attendees.