Posted on 02/10/2017 12:11:53 PM PST by markomalley
A mob of Black Lives Matter supporters, union activists and others converged on a D.C. middle school Friday to throw a fit over a visit by newly minted Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
The group toted signs like “I am more qualified than Betsy DeVos to be Secretary of Education and I’m a veterinarian!” and “Ms DeVos: Our children are not props” as they blocked the driveway to Jefferson Middle School Academy and refused to move, NBC Washington reports.
Ironically, one heckler’s sign read: “Welcome to our public school. It’s open to everyone!”
At the center of the mix was Washington Teachers’ Union boss Elizabeth Davis, who held a vigil in front of the school as message to DeVos during her first official visit to a public school since her Senate confirmation on Tuesday.
“Everyone will have a different way of demonstrating discontent with her policies. I understand why some parents are concerned. My message is that we have got to keep the pressure on the Department of Ed., on Betsy DeVos, to ensure that structures are in place that would safeguard our public schools and stay vigilant. We simply cannot be on the sidelines and let things happen to our public schools without voicing our concerns and resisting things that would be harmful to our kids, Davis said, according to WAMU.
Davis wants DeVos to understand that the union and its supporters care more about maintaining the failing public school system they rely on for their livelihood than they do about creating school choice options that are proven to improve student academic performance.
“We want to send the message that we love our public school system. We do not want a market-driven school system,” Davis said. “We want to have support for our public schools and build on that. We are going to continue to advocate for quality public schools throughout the district and in all communities.”
DeVos, accompanied by District of Columbia Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson, eventually alluded the crowd and entered Jefferson through the back door.
Neither DeVos nor Wilson spoke with the media, and The Washington Post alleges DeVos’s office ignored its request for comment on the visit.
Outside, protestors who wouldn’t give their name to the media took turns badmouthing the new Secretary of Education and regurgitating the union’s misleading talking points against school choice.
“Betsy DeVos does not represent our students or our families here in D.C.,” one teacher allegedly told the Post. “She doesn’t have our best interests at heart.”
Others said they were “horrified” by DeVos.
“I really fear for our students’ future and the future of our schools and communities,” an anonymous teacher allegedly said. “Her belief in privatization without equal accountability leaves high-needs students behind.”
“When school children start paying union dues, that 's when I'll start representing the interests of school children.” ―Albert Shanker (former NYC teacher's union president)
In one sense you are correct for we are in the early stages of the coming Social War. In short we are drifting into open conflict.
Agree, and if so, that makes Donald Trump the Machiavellian Man.
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