Biden urges South Carolina State graduates to hold politicians accountable

Dec. 17 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden touted the importance of historically Black colleges and universities and called on graduates of South Carolina State University Friday to make sure the government and politicians work for everyone.

Biden gave the commencement address at the behest of House Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. Clyburn walked with graduates at his alma mater, as the university did not hold winter commencement ceremonies when he graduated from South Carolina State in 1961.

On stage, Biden credited Clyburn for rejuvenating his 2020 presidential campaign with his endorsement. Biden eventually won the Democratic South Carolina primary, starting him on a primary winning streak that led him to the party's nomination and the presidency last year.

Biden's administration includes several graduates of HBCUs, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden acknowledged challenges the graduates face and highlighted efforts to advance equity. The administration has made several key investments in HBCUs, including $3.7 billion in relief funding this year alone as part of the American Rescue Plan, $1.6 billion in debt relief for capital improvements and $500 million in grant funding, according to a White House fact sheet.

Continued support for HBCUs is proposed in the Build Back Better Act, including increased funding for existing grants, research and development programs, Pell Grants, and teacher preparation programs.

Biden talked about how his infrastructure bill will lead to more jobs and businesses for African Americans. He touched on new rules and spending announced this week in starting the huge task of replacing lead pipes used for drinking water across the country, particularly in urban areas.

"If you don't know the community, it's hard to know what it needs," Biden said. "It means every American and every child being able to turn on a faucet to drink clean water. We're going to rip up every lead pipe in America."

He touted the infrastructure bill's provision that will provide wider access to the Internet, recognizing how important that access is for everyday life. The digital divide was exposed during the pandemic when schools were forced to teach students online.

"No student should have to go to a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant to get the Internet so they can do their homework," Biden said. "We're going to make sure that never happens again. This is the United States of America for God's sake."

Biden said the country needs criminal justice reform "from top to bottom" with judges who understand the communities they are serving. He said his administration has already taken steps in police reforms like banning chokeholds and eliminating the use of private prisons.

"We're just getting started," Biden said. "This administration will continue to fight for meaningful police reform in Congress."

Clyburn, who was originally scheduled to deliver the commencement but asked Biden to give the address instead, said the president will share what he's doing for the people of South Carolina, "for their families and their community to ensure that they have access to America's greatness."

"It will be a tremendous honor to share the stage with President Biden at this institution that means so much to me as I mark 60 years since I earned the degree that set me on the path to where I am today," Clyburn added.

Henry McMaster, the state's Republican governor since 2017, has "no plans" to see Biden during the visit, according to a spokesman, and GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott are also expected to skip the visit.

Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., told The Greenville News that he won't attend the commencement at South Carolina State, but is "always welcoming when a president visits our beautiful state."

"I hope Biden acknowledges that the average family is paying $4,000 more this year due to rising inflation, that illegal immigration is the worst we've seen in modern history, and that he has no plan to address the rise of crime that is plaguing our communities," he said, according to the News.

After delivering the commencement address, Biden will head to Philadelphia en route to his home in Wilmington, Del., where he and first lady Jill Biden will spend the weekend.