Newly-confirmed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos got off to a strong start Wednesday, pledging to approach her duties with a cooperative spirit and an open mind.
“Let’s make this deal,” DeVos told an auditorium of more than 200 Education Department officials, “I will challenge all on how and why we’ve done things a certain way, but I will listen to each of you on your ideas for how we can do better for students.”
Carefully using language that did not omit herself from the task, DeVos asked the audience to be, “more open to and patient with views different from our own.”
“Please know,” she said, “I’m a ‘door open’ type of person who listens more than speaks.”
DeVos, whose confirmation was made possible only by Vice President Mike Pence casting a tiebreaking vote in the Senate, sagely acknowledged her tenuous path to the office. In a self-deprecating nod to her infamous quip about grizzlies, DeVos joked that the drama surrounding her confirmation process “has been a bit of a bear.”
According to US News, DeVos assured employees that she is, “Committed to working with everyone and anyone, from every corner of the country, from all walks of life, from every background and with those who supported my nomination and those who did not.”
The Washington Post reported that DeVos’ remarks drew applause when she re-affirmed the department’s “unique role in protecting students.”
After absorbing weeks of brutal attacks from lawmakers and activists, DeVos demonstrated class and dignity Wednesday, holding her head high and projecting authority while expressing her sincere interest in cooperating with her colleagues.
This should leave both her advocates and detractors hopeful that America’s students will soon face brighter horizons.
Emily Jashinsky is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
