USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— Morehouse College faculty members are pushing to prevent President Joe Biden from receiving an honorary doctorate at the May 19 commencement. During a recent virtual meeting with Morehouse President David Thomas, faculty discussed the issue, with a majority opposing the honorary degree. Their concerns centered on Biden’s policies on policing, incarceration, Gaza, and student protests. Supporters argued Biden’s actions in Gaza were wrongly criticized.
Though Morehouse previously announced the honorary degree, faculty must still vote on it due to a procedural oversight. The vote is scheduled for Thursday, just days before the ceremony. Cedric Richmond, Biden’s campaign co-chair and Morehouse alumnus, defended Biden, highlighting his achievements for Black communities, including poverty reduction and historic judicial appointments.
In response to ongoing student and faculty protests, Morehouse clarified that the vote was procedural, emphasizing its commitment to a full range of perspectives on campus. Some faculty members circulated a dissent letter criticizing Biden’s foreign policies, which was read aloud during a campus rally. Protesters urged Biden to engage directly with students instead of delivering a traditional commencement speech.
Despite the opposition, the White House expressed Biden’s enthusiasm to address Morehouse students. Protesters, meanwhile, view Biden’s visit as a political move to gain Black voters’ support in his re-election campaign. Richmond countered, saying Biden’s visit aligns with his tradition of speaking at HBCUs annually.
