Morehouse Grads Turn Their Backs, Walk Out On Joe Biden During Commencement Speech, Valedictorian Demands Cease Fire In Gaza
Morehouse College graduates had a lot to say to President Joe Biden during his commencement address, yet they responded by saying nothing at all.
On Sunday, the HBCU hosted its 140th graduation ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, where Democratic President Joe Biden faced a peaceful protest after some students turned their chairs around while he delivered a graduation speech.
Many students and faculty members silently voiced their strong disapproval of the visit amid the 46th president's maintenance of the Israel-Hamas war currently taking place in Gaza.
Valedictorian psychology student DeAngelo "DJ" Fletcher from Chicago stood on that belief during his own speech, calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza with Biden, 81, sitting directly behind him on the stage.
"For the first time in our lives, we've heard the global community sing one harmonious song that transcends language and culture," Fletcher began. "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."
@aisforafro The Morehouse Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Deangelo Fletcher, called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza during his speech today. #youlovetoseeit ♬ original sound - AisforAfro
"Hear the people of this world, sing the song of righteous justice," the graduate concluded.
When Biden approached the microphone, he spoke about the issue, stating that "what's happening in Gaza and Israel is heartbreaking." He also revealed that even his own family is angry and frustrated by the destruction in the region.
"It's a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, that's why I call for an immediate caesar-fire — an immediate cease-fire. Stop the fighting. Bring the hostages home!" Biden exclaimed. "I'm working to make sure we finally get a two-state solution — the only solution. For two people to live in peace, security, and dignity."
"Leadership is about fighting through the most intractable problems. It's about challenging anger, frustration, and heartbreak to find a solution. It's about doing what you believe is right, even when it's hard and lonely," the president concluded.
ABC News reported a noticeable difference in support by age during the commencement ceremony. Reportedly, the alumni sitting to the left gave Biden standing ovations while the 2024 graduates largely remained seated throughout.
