Peter Greene writes here about a speech that Betsy DeVos gave at the National Constitution Center, defending free speech and truth.
“The final stretch of her speech is remarkably like the home stretch of a sermon. Get out from behind your twitter id and recognize you are talking to real, live human beings. We aren’t all saints. DeVos actually admits to having had some bad ideas. She (or someone in her office) turns some nice phrases, like a call for meeting with “open words and open dialogue, not with closed fists or closed minds.” And she calls to embrace a “Golden rule of free speech: seeking to understand as to be understood.”
“There is so much cognitive dissonance to process here. DeVos works for a man who exemplifies the opposite of everything she is saying. And there is very little one can point to in her own conduct, her own filling of the USED office, to show her stated beliefs in action. What exactly has DeVos done to understand the public education system and the people who are committed to what she once called a “dead end.” What has she done to understand the teachers who work in public schools? What has she done to understand any of her critics since she took office? Or, after all these years, is she comfortable in the belief that she knows everything she needs to know about all those things.”
Diane Ravitch's blog 
“When students don’t learn civics or how to think critically, should anyone be surprised by the results of a recent Brookings Institution poll? It found that over half of students surveyed think views different from their own aren’t protected by the Constitution. Is it any wonder a growing number of students also say it’s OK to shout someone down when they disagree? And is it any wonder too many students even think that violence is acceptable if you disagree with someone?”
I’m tired of her scolding lectures to public schools. I don’t know why she sees herself as some beacon of truth – we really need to be told this? That students should learn civics in schools? Thanks, US Department of Education. No one knew that before you enlightened us.
I;d like her to point to one positive contribution she has made to any public school, anywhere, since taking this job. It is ALL criticism.
They have really convinced themselves that this is their job- they are the designated, professional critics of public schools. They offer NOT ONE practical benefit to any public school student anywhere, yet we’re supposed to listen to these droning speeches once a week and call that “work”.
Speaking of “learning to think critically” DeVos makes a habit out of reciting nonsense statistics and poll numbers that “prove” her ideological theories. Let me know when she starts doing her own thinking – then she can scold schoolchildren.
“I don’t know why she sees herself as some beacon of truth. . . ”
As Peter pointed out in the article, she sees herself as one of the “chosen by her god ones” who are doing his (it’s certainly not a her or its) business. Those Calvinist xtian fundie rich elites have justified their looting and stealing through their selective readings of their bible. Their god has chosen them, plain and simple, to be on top of everyone else. Must be nice to be able to believe that peculiar kind of bullshit.
There doesn’t seem to be any criticism here, related to her visit to Gallaudet, but maybe you’re right and that’s the rare exception:
She gave a speech at the Constitution Center about being more open and truthful–but refused to take any questions from the press.
And they are refusing to turn over information to state attorney generals on for-profit college rip-offs. Since no one in the federal government will lift a finger to help defrauded students, the states would like to do the work. DeVos is blocking release of the information they need.
Very transparent. She’s all for speech, as long as it doesn’t harm the GOP political donors or her ideological fellow travelers.
Does she have any problem lecturing students on civility while working for Donald Trump? Does this bother her at all? That the Trump Administration makes a mockery out of her words every single day?
Why would any student anywhere believe her? They’ll use their “critical thinking skills” and realize NONE of these adults model or adhere to the behavior they’re demanding from 2nd graders. It’s bad enough she works for and admires a man who regularly hurls playground-level insults at anyone who opposes him, she also feels she can lecture others on how not to do that?
The one and only reason she has that job is Donald Trump. The LEAST civil President of my adult life. If it weren’t for him she wouldn’t have the bully pulpit she uses to scold public schools and public school students.
First Ladies typically take on a pet cause.
Mrs. Trump’s pet cause was/is … wait for it …
combating bullying, especially on-line bullying
That should begin at home. Shouldn’t it?
Has she ever read her husband’s Twitter?
Ed reformers are holding debates on Bush-Obama Ed Reform. Well, “debates”. No public school advocates or supporters will be invited, so it’s more like a chat among club members.
After Trump we can discuss “Bush-Obama-Trump” Ed Reform. 20 years of this lock-step dogma.
It is PAST TIME to open this up and get someone outside of this “movement” in government. No more. 20 years is long enough.
Amen…agree!
DON’T forget the “Alzheimer Reagan,” too.
So sad this country is run by lawyers, who learned how to “twist” words for this unsavory “PAY to PLAY” system for $$$$$. GREED!
What exactly has DeVos done to understand the public education system ?
What has she done to understand the teachers ?
What has she done to understand any of her critics ?
My “tea leaves” read Devos has done NOTHING to indicate that she is a
STUDENT, to be “corrected” by a “lesson”…
Then again, if my “crystal ball” worked, I’d play the Lotto…
DeVos is a rigid ideologue. She has no intention of learning anything about the public schools she disdains. Bill Maher had a joke last night in which he said, “Betsy DeVos has decided to eliminate high school.” People laughed because her ideas are so anti-public education it could be true and because people know she is the wrong person for the job.
A dangerous reality where DeVos’s name could be interchanged with Gates, Walton, Koch, Broad, Bush and many others: ““Betsy DeVos has decided to eliminate high school.” People laughed…
Reblogged this on David R. Taylor-Thoughts on Education.