NBA star shames DeVos and Trump by actually meeting with Parkland students

The same day Trump Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos made a shallow publicity play in Parkland, Florida, Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade showed what compassion and leadership look like.

While DeVos ignored students’ questions and refused to speak to most of the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during her visit Wednesday morning, Wade interacted with the students, and was rewarded with a hero’s welcome.

After high-fiving his way through a throng of admirers, Wade spoke to Parkland students in the school cafeteria, telling them how inspired he was by them.

“MSD Strong all the way!” Wade said, to uproarious applause.

Wade also posed for pictures with many of the students and teachers.

The appearance drew praise from the Parkland students, some of whom noted the contrast with DeVos’ visit.

Can Dwayne Wade be our new secretary of education? He's done 1000 times more than Betsy DeVos today

— carly (@carlynovell) March 7, 2018

https://twitter.com/AgCI3Cu2/status/971433965600018433

Thanks for all the love & support for MSD, @DwyaneWade. I can’t say the same for you, @BetsyDeVosED. #MarchForOurLives

— Jaclyn Corin (@JaclynCorin) March 7, 2018

Following his visit, Mr. Wade promised to stay involved.

I just had a great conversation with some of the students at Stoneman Douglas High School about some important/impactful things that they have planned. I’m looking forward to being more involved in the change that they WILL create. #MSDStrong 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) March 7, 2018

Trump — who has attacked NBA players in the past and exploited the death of Wade’s cousin during the presidential campaign —  refused the Parkland kids’ invitation to attend a town hall event to answer questions about gun violence, and like DeVos, opted instead for a canned photo op.

But Wade showed Trump and DeVos what true compassion and leadership look like by lifting the students’ spirits, and including all of them.