I’ve been working in higher education for almost 20 years. The best part about my job is watching a student matriculate through the college experience successfully and graduate. For most, graduating from college is the first goal they accomplish as an adult. It is a big deal, not to mention an expensive one. So, when I saw the footage of the 2017 graduating class of Bethune-Cookman University booing Secretary of Education Betsy Devos as she delivered the commencement speech, I couldn’t believe that students would blemish the day with such disgusting behavior. (see video) But let’s back up before I lose some of you.
Betsy Devos is among one of the many questionable cabinet members appointed by this administration. As an educator, I painstakingly watched her confirmation hearing. But it was when Senator Al Franken questioned her about proficiency vs. growth that I cringed. His question is the very heartbeat by which our education system functions, and she couldn’t answer it. If I were a cartoon character, you would have seen fumes steaming from my ears once she revealed her incompetence. A ridiculous candidate for Secretary of Education, someone with absolutely no experience in the field. But wait…that’s right; lack of experience seems to be the only requirement to hold a position in this administration, including the presidency. So to be clear, I have never been a fan of Betsy Devos. One protestor adequately spews my sentiment of her with his Game of Thrones reference. Shame on you Betsy Devos for taking this position for the sake of the business of education rather than being interested in the instruction of our children.
The straw that broke the camel’s back in regards to how some Historically Black College University (HBCU) supporters feel about Devos came when she called HBCUs pioneers of school choice. This is where she probably lost the support of the Bethune-Cookman community. Bethune-Cookman University was founded by Mary Mcleod Bethune in 1904. She didn’t create a choice for African-Americans; she provided the only option for learners in her community.
According to reports, tens of thousands of constituents signed a petition to remove Devos as commencement speaker but the requests were denied. There were also multiple protests and demonstrations, and still the students were denied a different commencement speaker.
Fast forward to the now infamous graduation ceremony. Here is where I hold issue. Is this the type of behavior that should be demonstrated at a life changing event? Let’s talk about this. At what point do we grow up and learn how to set aside differences (no matter how big or small)? It costs tens of thousands of dollars to attend college. I can’t imagine myself giving over the power of what should be MY moment to someone as unworthy as Devos. Here’s what I would like for the recent graduates to consider. Devos is a billionaire who married a billionaire. Booing HER at YOUR graduation didn’t hurt her. It only marred a special day you took four years to prepare for. I wish that you would have considered your protests prior to the ceremony enough of an effort to show your frustration. You did a wonderful job displaying your concern, and trust me, she knew that she wasn’t a fully welcomed guest as soon as she arrived at the commencement.
Instead of taking pride in organizing peaceful and highly publicized protests, the community held on to the negative results the protests yielded. People held on to that hatred, hostility and disgust rather than focusing on the celebration. While some 2017 Bethune-Cookman graduates might think that the university president, or Devos robbed them of their special day, I beg to differ. The graduates and attendees did that themselves. The disgust over someone’s presence out-weighed the joy that should have been felt that day. This moment was years in the making…now gone and tainted by negativity. And at what cost I wonder. How many people lost sleep, elevated their blood pressure, or even became depressed over this situation? We have to ask ourselves, “Is anything worth stealing my joy”? It is my humble opinion that in that moment, the graduates gave an already powerful woman even more power. They let her control the narrative of their special day by holding on to negativity.
How many times have you done this? How often have you allowed something negative to distract from what should be a positive moment? I’ve even heard of people having to have two wedding ceremonies because the parents can’t be in the same room together. Really? I want to challenge you to always think about the big picture and what matters most. Celebrate life’s victories! Never let anything or anyone command your emotions. And as always, let’s press on together!