DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Many of the graduating students turned their backs on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and boos nearly drowned out her speech Wednesday at Bethune-Cookman University.

DeVos carried on with her keynote address to the historically black school, praising its founder, Mary McLeod Beth-une, as someone who ‘‘refused to accept systemic and repulsive racism,’’ and had ‘‘the courage to change old ideas.’’

‘‘Let’s choose to hear one another out,’’ DeVos said, reading in a measured tone despite waves of boos and catcalls.

‘‘I am here to demonstrate in the most direct way possible that I and the administration are fully committed to your success,’’ she said.

DeVos offended many in February when she said historically black colleges are the ‘‘real pioneers when it comes to school choice.’’ After criticism, she acknowledged the colleges were ‘‘born not out of mere choice, but out of necessity, in the face of racism.’’

Associated Press