DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. — Graduation is usually considered a joyous occasion for graduates and their families. This year’s commencement at Bethune-Cookman University on Wednesday was marked by as much anger as joy.
Ever since officials announced the choice for this year’s commencement speaker at the historically Black institution would be Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the university and the town where it’s based have been roiled by controversy, protests and petitions seeking to have her invitation rescinded.
It boiled over when DeVos approached the microphone at 12:56 p.m. to deliver her address. Boos erupted from both the students and the audience. Many of the graduating students stood and turned their backs to DeVos as she began to speak. Meanwhile, boos coming from the audience, drowned out her opening, though she continued.
According to the program, she was supposed to speak for approximately an hour. Instead, she spoke for about 20 minutes.
Clearly irritated, university President Edison O. Jackson interrupted to warn the students that there could be serious consequences. “If this behavior continues, your degrees will be mailed to you. Choose which way you want to go,” he said.
DeVos seemed prepared for the reaction, starting off her speech calling for a democratic exchange of views. “While we may disagree …, I want to reaffirm this administration’s support for HBCUs and the students they serve.”
Her statement was in contrast to an announcement recently by Trump questioning the constitutionality of a federal program that provides building funds for HBCUs, as well as DeVos’ apparent lack of knowledge about the origins of these institutions. Trump has since reversed that stance.
