Betsy DeVos heckled during Bethune-Cookman University commencement address

Protesters at historically black college booed Education Secretary

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ā€“ Education Secretary Betsy DeVos endured graduating students' protest during her commencement address on Wednesday atĀ Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.Ā 

Many of the students of the historically black college's class of 2017 turned their backs to her. There was booing and some shouted "Liar!" and "Just go!"Ā 

President Donald Trumpā€™s nomination ofĀ DeVosĀ was controversial.Ā She is determined to take tax money from public schools to give it to private companies and charters.

In February, DeVosĀ described historically black colleges as "real pioneers when it comes to school choice." After critics said her statement ignored history, she said the colleges were "born, not out of mere choice, but out of necessity, in the face of racism."

Before DeVos arrival on Wednesday, there were petitions against her commencement address.Ā 


About the Authors

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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