STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Bethune-Cookman Gets Slammed for Inviting Betsy DeVos to Deliver Commencement Speech

Here's what the historically Black college's president had to say.

On Monday a private historically Black University in Daytona, Florida, confirmed U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will deliver the commencement address. Bethune-Cookman announced DeVos's inclusion in the commencement could help create a relationship with a person and agency that could influence education. 

In the announcement, Bethune-Cookman compared DeVos to the school’s founder, activist Mary McLeod Bethune.

"Bethune-Cookman University is a school built on the legacy and the transformation of students. Dr. Bethune's love for students started with five little girls and grew to over 250 students during her time as university president," President Edison O. Jackson said in a press release. “The legacy of Dr. Bethune is that she was not constrained by political ideology, but worked across all parties to support B-CU." 

Additionally, the school's press release said: "Much like Dr. Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University, Secretary DeVos deems the importance of opportunity and hope for students to receive an exceptional education experience."

  • Many criticized the school for inviting DeVos, who once compared HBCUs to School Choice

  • Others have said Bethune-Cookman's decision to have DeVos speak is 'totally unacceptable'

  • In general, the HBCU is getting slammed by many disappointed people

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.