DeVos Booed During Graduation Address At Black University

DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Controversial Education Secretary and Michigan billionaire Betsy DeVos had no sooner declared, "I'm honored to become a Wildcat," than she was greeted by a cacophony of boos and jeers on Wednesday. DeVos was delivering the commencement address at the historically black Bethune-Cookman University. Some observers said as many as half of the graduating class turned their backs on DeVos.

"It's a real honor and privilege to be with you as we celebrate the Bethune-Cookman University class of 2017," Devos continued as the boos only grew louder. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Patch.)

"If this behavior continues, your degrees will be mailed to you," interrupted university President Edison Jackson at one point. "Choose which way you want to go."

Like Miami Patch on Facebook

DeVos, who has made a series of controversial missteps in the months since joining the Trump Cabinet, carried on with her remarks. Her address came after she received an honorary degree from the university. At least one student was removed from the venue, according to news organizations.

Her invitation to address the university drew sharp criticism from the black community and NAACP Florida State Conference President Adora Nweze in particular. It also generated two online petitions, including one by Fedrick Ingram of the American Federation of Teachers, which received some 52,000 signatures as of Wednesday.

A proposal to invite DeVos to San Diego to showcase public school successes there was yanked from a school board agenda in February because of the "polarizing nature" of her nomination and confirmation. And in Washington, D.C., she was physically blocked by protesters when she tried to visit Jefferson Middle School. Meanwhile, DeVos was met by about 30 protesters during a recent visit to Florida International University.

Watch a clip below.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos delivers a commencement speech to graduates at Bethune-Cookman University, Wednesday, May 10, in Daytona Beach. (AP )