Devos says she will advocate for hbcus

Betsy DeVos, the former US Secretary of Education, has indeed expressed her support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In 2017, she announced that she would be advocating for HBCUs and increasing funding for them.

During her confirmation hearing, DeVos faced criticism from some lawmakers and advocates who were concerned about her lack of experience with HBCUs and her previous statements on education policy. However, she later met with HBCU leaders and students, and in 2018, she announced a series of initiatives aimed at supporting HBCUs, including:

  1. Increasing funding for HBCUs: DeVos pledged to increase funding for HBCUs, which had been a long-standing issue for these institutions.
  2. Improving access to capital: DeVos announced plans to improve access to capital for HBCUs, which would help them to invest in infrastructure, faculty, and student services.
  3. Enhancing academic programs: DeVos emphasized the importance of enhancing academic programs at HBCUs, including STEM fields, to better prepare students for the workforce.
  4. Supporting student success: DeVos highlighted the need to support student success at HBCUs, including initiatives to improve retention and graduation rates.

While some critics argued that DeVos' efforts were insufficient, her advocacy for HBCUs was seen as a positive step by many in the education community. Her support was particularly significant given the historical underfunding and lack of recognition that HBCUs have faced in the past.

It's worth noting that DeVos' advocacy for HBCUs was not without controversy. Some critics argued that her support was motivated by a desire to curry favor with African American voters and to deflect criticism from her previous statements on education policy. Others argued that her efforts were insufficient and that more needed to be done to address the systemic issues facing HBCUs.

Overall, while DeVos' advocacy for HBCUs was a positive step, it remains to be seen whether her efforts will have a lasting impact on these institutions and the students they serve.