ATLANTA — President Joe Biden delivered the commencement speech at Morehouse College in Atlanta on Sunday, being met with silent protests over the President’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Several students and faculty members voiced strong opposition to his visit, urging Biden to do more to curb the killing of civilians in Gaza. Prior to the President’s speech, class valedictorian DeAngelo “DJ” Fletcher called for an “immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza.”
“It is my stance as a Morehouse man — nay, as a human being — to call for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the Gaza strip,” Fletcher said. “Hear the people of this world sing the song of righteous justice.”
In his speech, Biden directly addressed the issue and made it a point to say his own family is frustrated as much as the American people.
“What’s happening in Gaza and Israel is heartbreaking,” he said.
“What after? What after Hamas? What happens then? What happens in Gaza? What rights do the Palestinian people have? I am working to make sure we finally get a two-state solution. The only solution: for two people to live in peace, security and dignity,” Biden said. “It is one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world. There’s nothing easy about it. I know it angers and frustrates many of you, including my family.”
Students at the graduation wore Palestinian flags and keffiyehs at the ceremony. While there were no major disruptions, some graduates turned their chairs when Biden spoke. One faculty member stood with her back turned away from the president with her right fist raised.
“It’s a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That’s why I’ve called for an immediate cease-fire. An immediate cease-fire, stop the fighting. Bring the hostages back,” Biden said. “I’ve been working on a deal as we speak. Working around the clock to … get more aid into Gaza, rebuild Gaza.”
“We’ve been working on a deal as we speak. Working around the clock to lead an international effort to get more aid into Gaza, rebuild Gaza. I’m also working around the clock for more than just one cease-fire. I’m working to bring the region together. Working to build a lasting, durable peace,” he said.
