A decision to tap Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as keynote speaker at Bethune-Cookman University’s commencement ceremony May 10 has garnered the ire of students, alumni, local Democrats and the NAACP.

As the nation's top education official, DeVos has the ear of President Donald Trump. But the controversy surrounding her nomination and staunch support for charter schools and choices beyond traditional public schools has made her a target among many Democrats, including some B-CU students.

Sophomore Keyshawn McMiller, who is scheduled to play at commencement as part of the school’s symphonic band, said he would not be attending the event out of protest.

“Seeing what Betsy DeVos embodies, what she stands for, it doesn’t correlate with what B-CU seeks to instill in their students,” McMiller said.

DeVos sparked outrage in February after Historically Black College and University presidents met with Trump in the White House. After the meeting, DeVos released a statement that said, “HBCUs are real pioneers when it comes to school choice. They are living proof that when more options are provided to students, they are afforded greater access and greater quality.”

Critics, noting that HBCUs were created not as an alternative but because many people of color were denied admission into traditionally white schools, blasted the comment. DeVos later reframed her statement, but its sting wasn’t forgotten by McMiller, who also noted DeVos supports cuts to federal Pell Grants — funding he depends on for school.

B-CU officials did not return calls seeking comment. In a press release announcing DeVos as graduation speaker, school officials called her an advocate for education and a supporter of philanthropy and compared her to the school’s founder, civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.

“Much like Dr. Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University, Secretary DeVos deems the importance of opportunity and hope for students to receive an exceptional education experience,” the press release stated. “Her mission to empower parents and students resonates with the history and legacy of Dr. Bethune.”

In an emailed message to "members of the Wildcat nation," B-CU President Edison Jackson urged students greet DeVos with the open-mindedness Bethune showed in engaging with people who did not share her political or cultural views.

"Perhaps Secretary DeVos, much like those early initial skeptics that Dr. Bethune invited to visit and speak on this campus, will be inspired by the profound work that occurs here with our students," Jackson said in the message. "At the end of the day, it really is all about the success of our students, and if there are opportunities to possibly influence their success, then we must seize upon them."

Senior Monty Taylor said DeVos shouldn’t be allowed to speak at the school.

“I disagree with it due to what she believes about historically black colleges,” Taylor said, adding that she thinks DeVos considers HBCUs to be for “show” and not institutions that exist to actually maximize black student potential.

Not all students felt so strongly.

“It can go both ways because we don’t know what she’s going to say at graduation,” said B-CU junior Christopher Haigler. “I’m willing to be there and I’m going to listen, but I don’t agree with her views. She has to not only convince me, but convince the whole audience that she’s on our side.”

DeVos’ scheduled visit also has caught the attention of the NAACP Florida State Conference, which issued a press release demanding DeVos decline the invitation because of her “horrible public education record impacting blacks and minorities in Florida and around the country.”

A petition created Sunday against DeVos’ visit at change.org had surpassed more than 3,300 signatures by Monday afternoon.

Dominik Whitehead, petition organizer, political activist and a B-CU alumnus, said he would welcome DeVos to talk with the school and discuss issues affecting HBCUs, but she was the wrong choice as a commencement speaker.

“I seriously hope that the university, (President Edison) Jackson, the Board of Trustees will see that this is just not the right choice right now and they will rethink and move on rescinding this invitation,” Whitehead said. “The legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune is at stake here.”

Other alumni took to Facebook to express their outrage.

“Disgusting that the comparison to Dr. Bethune was made with DeVos!” Nicole Richardson posted on the Bethune-Cookman University National Alumni Association page. “Deeply saddened that this is happening to my beloved alma mater! It's a shame that an administration from a HBCU with a proud legacy felt the need to bring a political agenda to a day set aside for honoring the efforts and accomplishments of students!”

DeVos also is scheduled to receive an honorary degree during her visit. The NAACP and one local Democratic club denounced the gesture.

“If Secretary DeVos ultimately speaks at commencement and receives an honorary degree, this would be a slap in the face to minorities, women and all communities of color,” said Adora Obi Nweze, president of NAACP Florida State Conference and member of the National Board of Directors in the release.

The move prompted the Democratic Club of Northeast Volusia to tweet: "Clueless Betsy DeVos thinks HBCUs founded cuz Black folks just wanted 'choices.' Wildcats reject her!"

Whitehead echoed similar sentiments.

“As African American and a product of public schools, I’ve seen how charter schools dismantle education in many cities,” Whitehead said. “Receiving an honorary degree, you have to have a contribution that affects all humanity. ... Giving Secretary DeVos an honorary degree is a complete slap in the face to everything that Historical Black Colleges have stood for and what we’ve done so far.”