ATLANTA — President Joe Biden is set to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College on Sunday -- a decision that has garnered mixed reactions from students and alumni alike.
On one side, some students expressed to 11Alive honor and excitement about the historic visit from a sitting president.
For example, sophomore Tyler West said that having a President come to speak is always great. And although he did acknowledge controversies surrounding Biden's policies, West believes it is still a significant event for the college.
“I know the things are in the Middle East are going bad, but yeah, I think the president speaking for everybody is very good,” he said.
However, the announcement of President Biden as the 140th commencement speaker has also sparked outrage among some students. Morehouse Senior Anwar Kareem is leading the opposition, citing Biden’s policies during the Israel-Hamas conflict as a primary concern.
“Part of having the right to protest and assemble and express our concerns is having the right to do that however we please,” Kareem stated.
He, along with other students, initiated a Change.org petition asking the college to rescind Biden’s invitation, and protests have been seen on campus in recent weeks.
11Alive confirmed on Thursday that the President will also receive an honor degree as part of this weekend's events, which is another decision that is facing controversy. Kareem is particularly opposed to this, arguing for more inclusive decision-making.
“Choosing to give Biden an honorary degree, there has to be some level of inclusion for people who are on the other side of the spectrum when it comes to the President coming to speak here at commencement,” he said.
The debate has also caused a rift among Morehouse alumni.
In a letter to the school’s alumni association leadership, one alumnus wrote, “Wherever you stand as a member of this community, you do so at a time when Morehouse will once again be on the global stage.”
For now, students are awaiting responses from both the college administration and President Biden regarding their concerns.