A senior official from the White House engaged with a small group of students and faculty at Morehouse College on Friday, in light of some objections on campus regarding President Joe Biden's upcoming commencement address. The meeting, attended by Steve Benjamin, who heads the White House Office of Public Engagement, addressed concerns raised by students about Biden potentially overshadowing their graduation ceremony.
During the meeting, some students voiced concerns about Biden's policies towards Israel and the Gaza Strip, fearing that these issues might take center stage at Sunday's ceremony. They also expressed their desire to avoid a campaign-style speech. Benjamin sought to reassure the students that Biden's appearance at their graduation would focus on celebrating their achievements and his hopes for their futures.
The details of this meeting, which had not been previously reported, highlight the challenges that college commencement season poses for Biden and other top administration officials, particularly amid protests against Israel's actions in Gaza on campuses across the country. Biden is scheduled to deliver two commencement addresses, one at Morehouse College on Sunday and another at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on May 25. His visit to Morehouse College comes as his re-election campaign aims to win over young and Black voters, particularly in battleground states like Georgia, where his support from these constituencies has weakened since 2020.
Nine students and faculty members attended the meeting, which was originally scheduled for 90 minutes but lasted for over two hours. The attendees represented a range of views on the decision to have Biden deliver the 2024 commencement address, from those looking forward to Biden's address to others who have concerns or oppose the decision. According to a Morehouse official, the meeting provided "a fair representation of all voices and opinions," with everyone given the freedom to express their views.
Since Morehouse College announced last month that Biden would deliver its commencement address, some students and faculty members have expressed concerns and apprehension, though the school has not experienced the large protests seen on other college campuses.
Both the White House and Morehouse officials described Friday's meeting as productive. Benjamin discussed the administration's efforts to benefit college students and Black communities around the country. While Benjamin conveyed the students' thoughts back to the White House, it remains unclear if the meeting influenced any participants' opinions. Morehouse declined to disclose the names of the attendees.