Speeches 
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November 16, 2022
Good afternoon. Isn't it great to hear the First Lady of the United States? Thank you, Dr. Biden, and thank you to Aon, and Greg Case, for welcoming us here today.
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October 27, 2022
Good afternoon. Welcome to your Department of Education. From day one, it was my expectation that we become a service agency.
Today, and the series of summits we will hold in the future, are intended to ensure that we support your efforts to improve education across the country.
We come together today for one reason: to raise the bar for our children’s academic recovery.
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October 24, 2022
Good afternoon; and thank you.
As your Secretary of Education, I want to be very clear: the results in today’s Nation’s Report Card are appalling and unacceptable—they are a reminder of the impact this pandemic had on our learners, and the important work we must do now for our students.
This is a moment of truth for education. How we respond to this will determine not only our recovery, but our nation’s standing in the world.
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September 20, 2022
Thank you!
First of all: that marching band looks awesome.
It's a joy to be here in Tennessee. You're known as the "Volunteer State" for a reason. Tennesseans stepped up to help – you helped our country, you volunteered. And that's what Tennesseans are all about.
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have Dr. Biden with us.
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September 13, 2022
Thank you, Chancellor Martin.
And thank you to our First Lady, Dr. Biden. As an educator, let me tell you: it makes a difference to know we have an educator in the White House. Thank you for all you're doing to elevate teaching and support teachers of color.
Now, first things first: can I get an AGGIE PRIDE??
Look: there's a reason why I was so excited to come to NC A&T as the first stop on our Road to Success bus tour.
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September 13, 2022
Thank you: Principal Smith, Superintendent Kamras, President Thomason, Dr. Harris-Muhammad, distinguished guests.
And special appreciation to Emanuel Wright-Anthony, who is doing an amazing job as emcee. And thanks to the entire Oak Grove-Bellemeade community for your warm welcome.
We're here today because you're doing something right.
You are choosing to support each other. You are choosing to help each other.
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August 11, 2022
Good afternoon, everyone! To all the college presidents and leaders here today: thank you for coming. It's even worse when you lose your luggage or have cancellations, which I know many of you did.
Traveling to Washington in the final weeks of summer is a big ask. Some of you even canceled vacations to be here. If you need an apology note for your spouse, let me know.
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June 23, 2022
Good morning.
Throughout American history, landmark laws have brought waves of change that carried our country toward a more perfect union.
Before the Fair Labor Standards Act, many children didn't spend their days learning in schools, but working in factories.
Before the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Black Americans had no federal statutory protection from the racial discrimination of the Jim Crow era.
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June 7, 2022
Chair Murray, Ranking Member Blunt, Distinguished Subcommittee.
Good morning and thank you.
While I will focus on the budget and priorities of the Department of Education, I must start by sharing that, together, we must meet this moment.
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May 4, 2022
Good morning, Chairwoman DeLauro and Ranking Member Cole.