Betsy DeVos walks back controversial claims about HBCUs

Mar 1, 2017

On Tuesday, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos took to Twitter in order to walk back comments she made earlier that suggested that historically black colleges and universities were “pioneers” of school choice.

In a series of tweets, DeVos acknowledged that choice was not truly a factor when HBCUs were first established.

“#HBCUs are such an important piece of the fabric of American history—one that encompasses some of our nation’s greatest citizens,” she wrote. “Providing an alternative option to students denied the right to attend a quality school is the legacy of #HBCUs. But your history was born not out of mere choice, but out of necessity, in the face of racism, and in the aftermath of the Civil War. #HBCUs remain at the forefront of opening doors that had previously been closed to so many. We need more good schools. We need more good teachers. And no child should be denied the opportunity to enter a great school. Not one.”

Providing an alternative option to students denied the right to attend a quality school is the legacy of #HBCUs.

— Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) February 28, 2017

But your history was born not out of mere choice, but out of necessity, in the face of racism, and in the aftermath of the Civil War.

— Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) February 28, 2017

This is a far cry from her original statement, which read: “They are living proof that when more options are provided to students, they are afforded greater access and great quality. Their success has shown that more options help students flourish.”