President Biden to Deliver Commencement Addresses at Morehouse College and West Point in May 2024

President Joe Biden will deliver two commencement speeches in May 2024, as announced by the White House. On May 19, he will give the commencement address at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Later, on May 25, he will deliver the commencement address at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The Morehouse College announcement has drawn some criticism from faculty and supporters who are critical of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some Morehouse alumni have circulated an online letter condemning the administration's invitation to Biden, claiming his approach to Israel effectively supports "genocide in Gaza." However, Morehouse officials have stated they do not plan to rescind the invitation to Biden, who they say will be a reminder of the institution's "enduring legacy and impact."

Why this matters: Biden's visits to college campuses come as he seeks to convince young voters to re-elect him, despite frustrations over his continued support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has led to protests at his previous speeches on college campuses. The president's appearance at Morehouse, the nation's only HBCU for Black men, could be critical as the country heads toward a long summer of presidential campaigning, as Black voter turnout is expected to be vital.

This will be Biden's first time as president at a West Point graduation, though he did make two appearances while serving as vice president. Approximately 1,025 cadets will be commissioned into the U.S. Army as second lieutenants at the ceremony, which will be held at Michie Stadium. In 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris was the first woman to serve as the commencement speaker at West Point's graduation.

Biden's speeches at Morehouse and West Point will mark the second consecutive spring that the president has spoken at the commencement of a historically Black school, following his 2023 address at Howard University. Morehouse College is renowned for its storied history and legacy of nurturing influential Black leaders, including civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Georgia's first Black U.S. Senator, Raphael Warnock, who is a Morehouse graduate.

The White House has stated that additional details about these commencement events are expected to be released in the future. President Biden's participation in these ceremonies reaffirms his administration's commitment to addressing racial disparities and advancing educational opportunities for all Americans, while also seeking to shore up his appeal to young Black voters ahead of the 2024 election.

Key Takeaways

• Biden to deliver commencement speeches at Morehouse and West Point in May 2024.
• Morehouse faculty and alumni criticize Biden's handling of Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Biden's visits aim to appeal to young and Black voters ahead of 2024 election.
• Kamala Harris was the first woman to speak at West Point's 2023 graduation.
• Biden's speeches continue his administration's focus on racial disparities and education.