Biden delivers Morehouse College graduation speech

President Joe Biden delivers graduation speech at Morehouse College

"I know it breaks your heart. It breaks mine as well."

(Image credit: Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images)

published 20 May 2024

What happened

President Joe Biden gave the commencement address at Morehouse College, the historically Black men's college in Atlanta, on Sunday. It was his first time addressing a college campus since the breakout of protests against Israel's war in Gaza.

The Gaza war is "one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world," Biden said. "I know it angers and frustrates many of you, including my family. But most of all I know it breaks your heart. It breaks mine as well." Alluding to the half-dozen students who turned their backs as he spoke, Biden said he supports "peaceful, nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard, and I promise I hear them."

The "biggest question" before Biden spoke was "whether his words would be interrupted by protests," The Washington Post said, but "Biden was met with polite, if measured, applause" and "no major demonstrations."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.