Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited a public school in her home state of Michigan on Friday but refused to answer questions about Detroit's public education woes.
Last month, DeVos bombed a 60 Minutes interview in which she said that "maybe I should" visit public schools in Detroit to better assess how to improve learning environments for both teachers and students. While attending the high school national robotics championship and promoting opportunities in STEM fields, the secretary dodged a question about why she still refuses to visit struggling public schools.
Betsy DeVos attends STEM robotics competition in Detroit -- and again refuses to visit at-risk schools https://t.co/oiBBHFWI6j— Raw Story (@Raw Story) 1524887729.0
"You got a lot of struggling schools, they're closing schools, they're tearing down schools," said Detroit parent Lamar Stinson. "We don't need that right now. Our kids need to be educated." DeVos often speaks of the importance of education and having adequate funding, but has yet to physically visit schools that need the most help, despite her pledge to do so.
When asked if she would visit other schools in Detroit, DeVos said, "I am not making any school visits today." As she was pushed further, her handlers cut off the interview.
Reporter Priya Mann: "What do you want to tell people about how the schools are doing here in your home state?"
DeVos: "We'll do some more questions later."
Edu. Sec. Betsy DeVos was back in her home state at Cobo answering a lot of questions - until I asked her why she w… https://t.co/akKY2dsrRk— Priya Mann (@Priya Mann) 1524870332.0
Twitter was quick to point out DeVos and her avoidance of tackling the issue of inadequate public school funding.
@Local4Priya Betsy DeVos: Michigan schools need to do better. There is no doubt about it. Lesley Stahl: Have you s… https://t.co/iwAGKdrUUa— Carnac the Magnificent (@Carnac the Magnificent) 1524873636.0
@Local4Priya Great question! It's because she'd have to answer those tough questions and she has no idea about education!— Dina Chrisopoulos (@Dina Chrisopoulos) 1524931823.0
@Local4Priya She can't answer because she and her staff are unable to come up with a reason for her not to visit th… https://t.co/Z0xzjIkiz8— Laura Heuchan (@Laura Heuchan) 1524953663.0
@Local4Priya It's because she knows she's partially responsible for helping to create those underperforming schools… https://t.co/bviGqohSXk— On the Phone with Blue Ivy (@On the Phone with Blue Ivy) 1525014199.0