Protesters temporarily blocked the secretary of education from entering a Washington, D.C. public school on Friday.
Betsy DeVos, who was confirmed Tuesday to lead the Department of Education by a 51-50 vote — the first time a vice president has broken a tied vote for a Cabinet nominee — was a long-time Republican donor and charter school advocate before her nomination by President Donald Trump.
DeVos was slated to attend Jefferson Middle School Academy, a public school in the District. According to WAMU, protesters outside the school included members of the Washington Teachers Union, Black Lives Matter activists and others.
The Washington Post reported that DeVos was initially blocked from her planned entrance to the school, and eventually used a side door.
In a statement released after the meeting, DeVos thanked the school officials in attendance, and said that while she respected peaceful protest, should would “not be deterred” from executing the Department of Education’s mission.
“No school door in America will be blocked from those seeking to help our nation’s school children,” she said.
WJLA TV’s Sam Sweeney published video of the the scene at the school, before and during DeVos’ attempted entrance:
Handful of protesters now standing in front of SW DC middle school ahead of visit by Sec. Betsy DeVos pic.twitter.com/uzhuyeXEeE
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) February 10, 2017
Protesters not allowing Betsy DeVos’ advance team near SW DC school where she’s expected to visit pic.twitter.com/dC6m2IGbCc
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) February 10, 2017
Protesters clash with police and Sec. DeVos security detail ahead of school visit. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/TKIzq8xwMt
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) February 10, 2017
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
This post has been updated.
