President Joe Biden acknowledged anti-Israel student protests while speaking at the Morehouse College commencement — but he also faced some protests of his own during the speech.
The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has been a hot-button issue on various college campuses, with protests reaching a fever pitch at the end of last month. Biden has denounced the violent protests seen at Columbia University and the University of California, Los Angeles, but did take time to say he hears protesters while speaking at the Morehouse College graduation ceremony on Sunday.
“I want to say this very clearly. I support peaceful nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard. I promise you, I hear them,” Biden said.
Biden went into discussing the war in Gaza, emphasizing his belief that there should be an immediate ceasefire alongside the release of the hostages still being held by Hamas. Prior to Biden speaking, the student speaker for the ceremony also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“That’s why I’ve called for an immediate ceasefire — an immediate ceasefire. Stop the fighting, bring the hostages home,” Biden said, while also pushing for a “lasting, durable peace.”
While the president was addressing graduates at the historically black college, several turned their backs on Biden in an apparent silent protest against him. Another student held up a Palestinian flag during the president’s remarks, according to CNN.
Morehouse College graduates turn their backs on Crooked Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/jf9d5bVQbF
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 19, 2024
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Despite concerns over disruptions during the event, Biden was able to deliver his remarks without any audible protest.
Biden’s administration has been more at odds with Israel in recent months with its handling of the war, with the president drawing a red line over the Israel Defense Force’s proposed major operation in Rafah — the final Hamas stronghold.
