Betsy DeVos Responds to Protestors: ‘I Will Not Be Deterred’
DeVos’ Ironic StatementÂ
A small group of protestors prevented new Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos from entering a Washington, D.C. area public school Friday morning, forcing her to enter through the school’s front door, where she was greeted by teachers, parents, and union activists who also oppose her policies.
Handful of protesters now standing in front of SW DC middle school ahead of visit by Sec. Betsy DeVos pic.twitter.com/uzhuyeXEeE
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) February 10, 2017
After her visit to the school, Jefferson Middle School Academy, Secretary DeVos issued a press release responding to the widely-reported story of her being met by protestors.
“I respect peaceful protest, and I will not be deterred in executing the vital mission of the Department of Education,” DeVos said in her third press release as Education Secretary. “No school door in America will be blocked from those seeking to help our nation’s school children.”
DeVos’ statement is ironic, given her policies would block schools from opening and operating by pulling tax dollars from public schools and funneling them into private, charter, and religious schools.Â
DeVos, an anti-public school activist who for years has used her vast wealth to advance her pro-charter schools agenda, added:
“Focusing on their students and families is at the heart of Jefferson Academy’s approach, and that’s exactly what I believe is at the heart of providing an exceptional education. Great teachers and leaders help make great schools, and I was honored to speak with Jefferson’s team about our shared commitment to strengthening public education.”
To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.Â
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.