United States President Joe Biden faced silent protests from students and faculty at Morehouse College during his commencement speech this past weekend. The event took place on Sunday, May 19, at the renowned HBCU in Atlanta.
Biden addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, calling for a peaceful resolution. “We can’t stop wars that break out and break our hearts,” Biden said. “I support peaceful, nonviolent protests. Your voices should be heard, and I promise you I hear them.”
Biden is working on a plan to ensure peace between the two nations. “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,” he explained. “It is one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world. There’s nothing easy about it.”
Joe Biden Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
The President emphasized his support for ending the violence, announcing his call for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Palestine. “It’s a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That’s why I’ve called for an immediate cease-fire. Stop the fighting. Bring the hostages back,” Biden stated. He also mentioned efforts to provide more aid and rebuild Gaza.
During Biden’s address, some graduates wore Palestinian flags and keffiyehs, while others turned their backs in protest. A Morehouse faculty member also protested by standing with her back to Biden, raising her fist in the air.
DeAngelo “DJ” Fletcher, Morehouse College valedictorian, also called for a ceasefire in his speech. “It is only right for the class of 2024 to stand in solidarity with peace and justice,” Fletcher said. “The Israel-Gaza conflict has plagued the people of its region for generations.” He expressed his duty to use his platform to inspire justice and peace, calling for an “immediate and permanent cease-fire in the Gaza strip.”