McCaskill: Carson, DeVos ignorant about history

(From Sen. Claire McCaskill)

This week, in his first address to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ben Carson referred to African slaves as “immigrants” who dreamt of their families pursuing “prosperity and happiness in this land.”

His wildly misguided take on history came on the heels of Betsy DeVos, President Trump’s secretary of education, saying that historically black colleges and universities were “real pioneers when it comes to school choice.”

I don’t know where these two get their alternative facts, but here’s the truth: Slaves were stolen from their homelands and forced to work against their will, unlike immigrants who pursue a better life in our country. And the establishment of historically black colleges was not about “choice,” but racism and Jim Crow segregation. It’s disturbing that the people leading President Trump’s administration are so ignorant to that history.

I’m committed to holding President Trump’s Cabinet accountable and ensuring all children get a great education – but I want to hear from you:

Do you approve of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos or Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson? Let me know what you think here: https://surveys.signforgood.com/cmc-cabinet-survey

Thanks so much.