U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has been invited to speak at the opening of the new Michigan State University Grand Rapids Research Center later this month.
MSU spokesman Jason Cody confirms the invitation and says that it’s his understanding that she has accepted.
MSU College of Human Medicine Communications Director Geri Kelley says there has not yet been a written confirmation from DeVos, and adds that calendars are subject to change.
The $88-million dollar research center in Grand Rapids was funded in part by a $10-million dollar gift from DeVos’s in-laws, Richard and Helen DeVos.
The $88-million dollar research center in Grand Rapids was funded in part by a $10-million dollar gift from DeVos’s in-laws, Richard and Helen DeVos.
MSU’s campus newspaper, the State News, reports that opposition to a DeVos appearance at the opening is already being voiced by students, faculty and staff, centering on her work to privatize education. A petition seeks withdrawal of the invitation, and there could be a protest if DeVos speaks at the September 20th event.