President Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College in Atlanta on Sunday was met with a notable display of dissent from its all-black, male student body.
Several students turned their backs on the 81-year-old commander-in-chief as he spoke at the college, and the speech marked Biden’s first visit to the campus since widespread anti-Israel protests erupted at educational institutions nationwide.
“I support peaceful nonviolent protest,” Biden asserted to the graduates as several chose to face away from him during his remarks.
“Your voices should be heard. I promise you I hear them,” Biden addressed as many students visibly wore keffiyehs–traditional scarves associated with Palestinians–draped over their shoulders.
The New York Post reported that the gesture underscores the significant decline in support for Biden among black voters.
Biden vowed to confront the scourge of white supremacy and dismantle entrenched racial inequalities during his speech. However, his remarks sparked immediate criticism on social media.
Critics accused Biden of divisive rhetoric, with one stating, “Joe Biden just told graduates at Morehouse College in Georgia that America hates them because they’re black. This divisive rhetoric is exactly why Biden is losing support of the black community.”
Another commenter interpreted his words as implying victimhood for black Americans, suggesting, “TRANSLATION: ‘If you’re black and live in America, you’re a victim. Good luck, Morehouse graduates!'”
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 55% of black voters approve of Biden’s job performance, marking a significant shift from the overwhelming support he received during the 2020 election, where 95% of black women and 87% of black men voted for him.
A poll conducted by NBC News similarly revealed a notable decrease in Biden’s support among black voters compared to the 2020 election exit polls.
The White House anticipated potential protests ahead of Biden’s appearance at Morehouse, and even sent an official to address any upcoming concerns, per NBC.
Morehouse alumni circulated a letter online condemning the decision to invite Biden.
The letter stated that Biden’s stance on Israel was viewed as condoning genocide in Gaza, contradicting the pacifism espoused by Morehouse’s renowned alumnus Martin Luther King Jr.
Several faculty members reportedly pledged to boycott the commencement address, according to the New York Times.
Morehouse Valedictorian Deangelo Fletcher, sporting a Palestinian flag pin, demanded an “immediate and a permanent ceasefire” in Gaza just prior to Biden’s speech, earning him a standing ovation.
Biden, who previously urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an “immediate cease-fire to protect innocent civilians,” joined the applause.
Biden utilized his commencement address to highlight his advocacy for black Americans in an effort to regain some of this lost support.
He emphasized recent initiatives such as his push for $16 billion in funding for historically black colleges and universities, as well as his appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Biden also referenced George Floyd during his speech, and questioned the essence of democracy in the face of ongoing injustices against the black community, stating, “What is democracy if black men are being killed in the street? What is democracy when a trail of broken promises still leaves black communities behind?”
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