‘Students first’: New Education Secretary Betsy DeVos seeks common ground
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Wednesday delivered her first public message since her rocky confirmation hearing, promising her new staff that she is committed to working with it to “protect, strengthen and create new world-class education opportunities for America’s students.”
DeVos pledged in a nine-minute speech to challenge the Education Department to examine its policies and practices — and to listen to her new colleagues. “Let us set aside any preconceived notions and let’s recognize that while we may have disagreements, we can — and must — come together, find common ground and put the needs of our students first.”
DeVos addressed more than 200 employees at the headquarters in Washington, with others tuning in online for what was billed as an all-hands meeting. She enters office as a polarizing figure, with supporters calling her a change agent and critics charging that she is unqualified and would undermine public schools. She was confirmed Tuesday by the narrowest of margins, with Vice President Pence casting a tiebreaking vote after senators deadlocked on her fitness for the job.
She became fodder for late-night comics — including on “Saturday Night Live” — after suggesting that she opposed a ban on guns in schools because of “potential grizzlies.”
On Wednesday, she joked about the confirmation battle, saying it had been a “bit of a bear.”
DeVos addressed more than 200 employees at the headquarters in Washington, with others tuning in online for what was billed as an all-hands meeting. She enters office as a polarizing figure, with supporters calling her a change agent and critics charging that she is unqualified and would undermine public schools. She was confirmed Tuesday by the narrowest of margins, with Vice President Pence casting a tiebreaking vote after senators deadlocked on her fitness for the job.
She became fodder for late-night comics — including on “Saturday Night Live” — after suggesting that she opposed a ban on guns in schools because of “potential grizzlies.”
On Wednesday, she joked about the confirmation battle, saying it had been a “bit of a bear.”‘Students first’: New Education Secretary Betsy DeVos seeks common ground - The Washington Post: