Larson: Secretary DeVos, You Don't Know East Hartford

East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) joined East Hartford students and educators in voicing their concerns regarding Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos's comments about East Hartford High School. Later in the morning, he joined Gov. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Wyman, Commissioner Dianna Wentzell, Bryan Hall, Board Chairman of East Hartford Public Schools, Superintendent Nate Quesnel, Principal Matt Ryan, and other local legislators to address her remarks at East Hartford High School.

"Secretary DeVos's remarks were personal. I graduated from this high school 50 years ago. My parents graduated from this high school 75 years ago. A high school that is over 130 years old, that is steeped in tradition, pride, and community values that make us care so deeply. All of my children went to public schools and one them teaches at East Hartford High School today. So I say to Secretary DeVos, we grew up in this town. We know this community, and one thing I can say with certainty after listening to your remarks, you don't know East Hartford.

"We want the Secretary to visit us here, because it is only fitting when you stereotype a community, when you paint it with such a broad brush, and you're the Secretary of Education, you have the responsibility of coming out and meeting student's like Jadah Dalely, who has written a letter to Secretary DeVos. I am going to take the students' letters and personally hand them to Secretary DeVos, because we want to show her East Hartford, so she can see public education first hand. And I'm going to make her an offer she can't refuse, I'm going to take her to Augie and Ray's afterwards," said Larson.

Larson has sent a letter to Secretary DeVos which can be viewed here.

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