Biden officially announced as Morehouse speaker amid campus concerns

ATLANTA — President Joe Biden could receive a mixed reception when he delivers the commencement address at Morehouse College’s graduation ceremony next month.

Social media was buzzing with calls for students and faculty to stage a walk out in protest of the Democrats' support for Israel in its ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza after the terror group’s Oct. 7 attack.

Faculty & Staff for Justice in Palestine-Georgia, a group of academic workers with chapters across the country, posted a statement on social media that said in part the president’s visit to Morehouse ”will discourage new applications from a youth generation that overwhelmingly supports a ceasefire. It will prompt significant protest among current students and faculty, subjecting them to discipline and, potentially, dangerous confrontations with the police.”

While faculty members of the historically Black college near downtown Atlanta are planning a virtual meeting to talk about the relevance of Biden’s visit, Morehouse had not officially confirmed the invitation as of Tuesday afternoon. A Morehouse spokeswoman declined to discuss the plans Tuesday.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the plans Monday afternoon, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The White House confirmed the president’s planned appearance at the May 19 commencement in an advisory Tuesday. Biden will also deliver the commencement address at the United States Military Academy on May 25.

Many colleges and universities, including some in Georgia, have had protests on their campuses since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. The biggest demonstrations have taken place at Columbia University in New York City, where more than 100 students were arrested last week during protests at the Ivy League school. As of Tuesday, some students remain in what they’ve called the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” as part of ongoing efforts to get Columbia to fully divest from companies with ties to Israel, among other frequently updated demands.

NBC News reported that Morehouse College provost Kendrick Brown sent faculty members an email outlining a virtual meeting on Thursday to offer a chance for professors with “different perspectives” on the commencement speaker to have their say.

Morehouse senior George Lester, who is graduating in May, said he doesn’t believe that Biden’s appearance will hurt the college’s reputation.

”There’s very much a mixed opinion because of things he’s said and done in the past that could challenge the ideals of Morehouse College,” said Lester, who is from Austell. “Morehouse College always wants to bridge the gap between different generations’ trains of thought by opening up the campus space with different ideologies.”

Biden’s visit will also serve as a key battleground address in his push for reelection. He is in a pitched battle in the polls with former President Donald Trump and Georgia will be crucial to both campaigns.

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