President Joe Biden revealed that he supports students’ nationwide campus protests but denounces hate speech and the destruction of property.
According to NPR, the Commander in Chief spoke at The White House on Thursday (May 2) to share his firm view.
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What Did Joe Say?
The President of the US gave short remarks. Biden said, “Before I head to North Carolina, I want to speak a few moments about what’s going on, on our college campuses here.”
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“We’ve all seen images, and they put to the test two fundamental American principles,” he continued.
“The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is rule of law. Both must be upheld,” Biden stated.
Joe emphasized the freedoms that being an American allows but reminded citizens that The States isn’t a “lawless country.”
He said, “We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent. The American people are heard. In fact, peaceful protest is in the best tradition of how Americans respond to consequential issues.”
“But… but neither are we a lawless country. We are a civil society, and order must prevail,” Biden added.
Why Joe Believes The Protests Are Occuring
The president described the United States as “a big diverse, free-thinking and freedom-loving nation.” He stated that this is why the nation has faced “moments like this.”
Joe criticized anyone who may be attempting to “score political points.” He declared, “This isn’t a moment for politics, it’s a moment for clarity.”
The 81-year-old stated only non-violent protests were protected.
“Violent protest is not protected. Peaceful protest is. It’s against the law when violence occurs,” he stated.
Additionally, Biden spotlighted the acts that contradicted peaceful protests.
“Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduation. None of this is a peaceful protest,” he stated.
He consistently reiterated the actions that were against the law, including “threatening people” and “intimidating people.”
Biden added, “Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder.”
Joe believes students shouldn’t feel uncomfortable as they commute to class, stating they have “the right to walk across a college campus safely without being attacked.”
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