ATLANTA — A small number of student and faculty members held a protest march on the Morehouse College campus Friday to criticize the war in Gaza, and President Joe Biden’s visit Sunday to deliver the commencement address at graduation ceremonies.
“I definitely understand from a political aspect why he is coming, but from a human and moral level, it makes no sense for the college to invite him or give him an honorary degree,” Morehouse student Anwar Karim told Channel 2′s Tom Regan.
Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests at Morehouse College have been orderly and peaceful, unlike those at other colleges and universities across the country.
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Morehouse College President David Thomas made clear that disruptive protests during the graduation ceremony will not be tolerated.
“What we won’t allow is disruptive behavior that prevents the ceremony or services from proceeding, in a manner that those in attendance can partake and enjoy. so for example, prolonged shouting down of the president as he is speaking. I have also made a decision that we will also not ask police to take individuals out of commencement in zip ties,” he said. “If faced with the choice, I will cease the ceremonies on the spot if we were to reach that position. But this will not be a place where there will be a national photo op of individuals being taken out of the Morehouse campus in zip ties by the police authorities.”
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Thomas said he would allow silent, non-disruptive protests during the graduation ceremony. Some Morehouse College professors said they are not just opposed to the visit by President Biden, but also that he will be awarded an honorary degree.
“It is a shame to give an honorary degree to someone who is supporting financially, publicly genocide in Gaza,” said Morehouse College Professor Cynthia Hewitt.
Atlanta police have not given any details about security plans surrounding President Biden’s visit and graduation speech.
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