Biden has clearly caused a massive divide within the Democrat party.
Just a short distance from Morehouse College in Atlanta, where President Joe Biden delivered a commencement address on Sunday, protesters gathered, chanting, “Biden, Biden, you’re a liar, we demand a ceasefire.”
Morehouse College, known for its historical significance as a Black men’s college and the alma mater of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., has witnessed several protests since Biden was announced as the commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary degree. Students urged the administration to rescind Biden’s invitation due to his handling of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite these protests, Morehouse President David Thomas affirmed Biden’s role as the speaker, warning that disruptive protests would result in halting the ceremony.
The pro-Palestinian protests emerged in response to ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 200 hostages. In the aftermath, over 1.4 million Palestinians have been displaced and more than 34,000 killed, per the Associated Press.
A video of the protesters chanting was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Morehouse professor Andrew Douglas, marking the occasion as Malcolm X’s birthday. Demonstrators, many adorned with keffiyehs and carrying Palestinian flags, held signs with messages like “Free Palestine,” “Ceasefire Now,” and “Stop Arming Israel.” Journalist Seynabou Ramu shared footage of marchers supported by honking passersby, while Fox 5 Atlanta reporter Brittany Edney captured chants declaring “Israel is a terrorist state.”
Before the ceremony began, Associate Provost Mel Foster reminded the audience of Morehouse’s commitment to free speech within legal boundaries, as noted in an X post by AP reporter Matt Brown. Many attendees, including students and faculty, wore keffiyeh scarves.
Valedictorian DeAngelo Jeremiah Fletcher, donning a Palestinian flag on his cap and stole, emphasized Morehouse’s legacy of social justice. He highlighted the generational impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict and called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, receiving a standing ovation from the audience and President Biden.
During Biden’s address, he condemned Hamas’ attack and acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the return of hostages. His remarks were met with applause, though some graduates turned their backs in protest.
Biden’s acceptance of an honorary degree saw mixed reactions, with some students walking out. The vote among Morehouse faculty to award the degree was close, with 50 in favor and 38 opposed.
Biden’s speech comes amid a tight presidential race, with a New York Times/Siena poll indicating a close contest with former President Donald Trump in key swing states, including Georgia. A May USA Today/Suffolk University poll shows Biden gaining support among young and Black voters, leading Trump by significant margins in these demographics.
WATCH:
. #FREEPALESTİNE #Protesters are gathering at a park off Oak Dr SW (.3 miles away from @Morehouse) in opposition of President #JoeBiden giving the commencement speech at the college. @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/ublwKSlB50
— Brittany Edney (@BrittanyEdney) May 19, 2024
