Mark Hlavacik, associate professor of communication studies, University of North Texas:
In her resignation letter, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos explained that her sudden departure from the administration was motivated by President Donald Trump's incendiary words to the crowd that went on to ransack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
"There is no mistaking the impact your rhetoric had on the situation," she declared, "and it is the inflection point for me."
Interestingly, DeVos has a history of using some rather caustic and divisive language herself. Although she never encouraged or condoned the use of force to achieve political ends, her insulting characterizations of public educators as "sycophant[s] of the 'system'" and "Chicken Littles" will leave a troubled legacy of their own.
Much like democracy, public education is an enterprise that relies on a basic civic faith that Americans can come together as a nation and in their communities to do worthwhile things that benefit all. Traditionally, the secretary of education plays a key role as a rhetorical leader who brings the country together to face its educational challenges. But that has rarely been the case with DeVos.
As recently as October she used her position to warn that an "unholy mob" of young socialists who "hate freedom" are using a "Marxist playbook" to attack "the family." Rhetoric like that in her speech to Hillsdale College reflects an affinity for blaming that DeVos shares with her former boss.
As I have warned elsewhere, such routine blaming leaves the impression that any CONTINUE READING: Through her divisive rhetoric, Education Secretary DeVos leaves a troubled legacy of her own | Salon.com
