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.
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.”
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