Above Photo: The Associated Press
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was greeted with protesters when she tried to enter a Washington middle school on Friday morning.
A video from the scene shows DeVos walking away from one entrance of Jefferson Middle School after being physically blocked from the entrance. One protester stood in front of the stairway entrance in the school, and DeVos walked back to her vehicle.
Sec. DeVos physically blocked by protesters from entering DC school–turned away and left. Unclear if she attempted another door. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/buNgmOJbya
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) February 10, 2017
“Keep giving money to senators and buying your way to the position,” one man holding a Black Lives Matter sign says to her, according to a video from ABC reporter Sam Sweeney. “I hope you’re proud of yourself.” “Go back,” the protestor yells and she enters the car. “Shame! Shame! Shame!”
DeVos was reportedly able to eventually enter the school for an event that included D.C. schools chancellor.
Crowds of protesters gathered ahead of DeVos’s visit to the school, according to reports. Her visit, her first as secretary of Education to a public K-12 school, was reportedly organized by the Washington teachers union, which did not support her nomination.
Parents and teachers gathered holding signs opposing the controversial Education secretary.
“Betsy DeVos does not play well with others — should be held back,” one sign read. “Public schools support our kids and their American Dreams,” read another.
Betsy DeVos to arrive in less than 30 min. Parents and retired teachers now walking to front door of Jefferson Middle in SW, DC. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/AaoK208R2Y
— Mikea Turner (@MikeaTurnerTV) February 10, 2017
The Senate confirmed DeVos on Tuesday to lead the Department of Education after Vice President Pence cast a tie-breaking vote, the first time ever a vice president has done so for a Cabinet nominee.
The GOP mega-donor was met with fierce opposition from Democrats and teachers unions who voiced opposition to her support for charter schools and tuition vouchers.
Senate Democrats held an all-night debate to protest DeVos’s nomination ahead of her confirmation vote.
“This is a sad day for children,” the American Federation of Teachers president said in a statement following DeVos’s confirmation.