President Biden addresses recent college campus protests
May 2, 2024, 9:56 AM | Updated: 5:16 pm
FILE - President Joe Biden speaks in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 27, 2024. Biden has formally clinched a second straight Democratic nomination. Now his party’s presumptive nominee, he faces an all-but-certain rematch with former President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday morning, President Joe Biden delivered remarks on the recent college campus protests of the war in Gaza.
President Biden stressed that peaceful protest is a protected right in America. The right to protest does not protect violent acts, however.
A spokesperson 👇 from the University of Utah joined discusses safety at Thursday night’s commencement:
“Violent protest is not protected,” the president said. “It’s against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It’s against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking down windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations. None of this is a peaceful protest.”
The president also said that everyone has a right to their education. Protests on college campuses across the country have canceled classes.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Times reported that the University of Southern California canceled a commencement ceremony.
“Dissent is essential to democracy. But dissent must never lead to disorder or to denying the rights of others,” said President Biden.
The president argued that the canceled classes have deprived other students of the right to finish their semester.
“There is no place for racism in America”
President Biden said there should be no room in the United States for any acts of hatred or violence.
“There is no place for hate speech or violence of any kind. Whether it’s anti-semitism, islamophobia, or discrimination,” said the president. “It’s simply wrong. There is no place for racism in America.”
The president repeatedly said that people have differing opinions and strong feelings.
“We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent. The American people are heard,” said President Biden.
Just as the president finished his speech, someone asked if the recent college campus protests had him reconsidering policies about the war.
Biden replied “No.”
Additionally, when asked if he thinks the National Guard should intervene, he said no.
After his speech, the President did not answer any other questions.
Related: 19 arrested at University of Utah during Gaza war protests
