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President Joe Biden has been awarded an honorary degree while attending Morehouse College’s recent graduation ceremony. The event was reportedly filled with various reactions from students.
According to Teen Vogue, President Biden popped out for the ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, May 19. Before he took the stage, Morehouse’s valedictorian, DeAngelo Fletcher, delivered his speech.
Fletcher reportedly called for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza strip.”
Furthermore, the valedictorian was reportedly met with applause from the attendees and Biden.
“It is important to recognize that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the wake of October 7,” he explained. “From the comfort of our homes, we watch an unprecedented number of civilians mourn the loss of men, women, and children while calling for the release of all hostages. For the first time in our lives, we’ve heard the global community sing one harmonious song that transcends language and culture. It is my stance as a Morehouse man, nay as a human being, to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza strip.”
Watch Fletcher’s statements and Biden’s reaction below.
According to the outlet, as President Biden took to the stage to deliver his remarks, Morehouse alumni received him with a standing ovation. However, some students reportedly remained seated, gave Biden their backs, or walked out of the event entirely, per Teen Vogue.
According to the New York Times, Biden’s speech was not interrupted. Additionally, 11Alive reports that the president explained that he supports “peaceful, nonviolent protest.”
“I want to say this very clearly. I support peaceful, nonviolent protest,” he said, per 11Alive. “Your voices should be heard, and I promise you I hear them… I determined to make my… administration look like America…”
From there, Biden went on to call the events in Gaza and Israel “heartbreaking.”
“That’s why I’ve called for an immediate ceasefire — an immediate ceasefire to stop the fighting… [and] bring the hostages home,” he said. “And I’ve been working on a deal as we speak, working around the clock to lead an international effort to get more aid into Gaza, rebuild Gaza. I’m also working around the clock for more than just one ceasefire. I’m working to bring the region together. I’m working to build a lasting, durable peace.”
Outside of his thoughts on Gaza and Israel, Biden reportedly addressed domestic issues.
Watch as the president is given his Morehouse honorary degree, and swipe to see one student’s reaction during his speech.
As The Shade Room previously reported, David A. Thomas, Morehouse College’s president, made headlines last week. At the time, Thomas explained that he wanted attendees to “enjoy” Morehouse’s upcoming commencement ceremony.
However, he wanted to make it clear that “disruptive behavior that prevents the ceremony or services from proceeding” would not be tolerated.
Ultimately, Thomas explained that he would “cease” the ceremony “on the spot” if the ceremony and President Biden’s appearance were interrupted.
