LeBron James recently opened a public school for at-risk youth in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Now a viral internet petition wants him to take office and replace Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
That’s likely because as a show of thanks for James’ humanitarian work, the president of the United States insulted James via Twitter on Friday. Several people including CNN host Don Lemon, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, NBA great Michael Jordan, and even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver jumped to James’ defense. The recent swell of support led to the creation of a Care 2 petition for the 33-year-old athlete.
Writes the petition’s creator, Rebecca G:
“Betsy DeVos was hired without ever setting foot in a public school — and she’s taken every opportunity to work against the interests of the children, teachers, and families she has pledged to serve. We certainly deserve better!
I know that’s it’s unlikely that Lebron James would give up his highly successful career — especially since he has been generous enough to use that influence to be an inspirational community and youth advocate for millions.”
It’s already toppled its original goal of 10,000 signatures.
James’ “I Promise” school is a partnership between Akron Public Schools and the LeBron James Foundation. Lemon spoke with the Los Angeles Lakers star last week about his foundation and the reasons behind the school’s creation. James explained in the CNN interview how sports has the power to bring people together.
As James said of President Donald Trump: “We’re at a point in America where this whole race thing has taken over, one because I think our president is trying to divide. He is. He’s trying to divide us. And what I noticed over the last few months, he’s kind of used sports to divide us.”
While the gag is unlikely to change education policy, the people have clearly spoken.
H/T Newsweek