Education department misspells W.E.B. Du Bois’s name in tweet
The Department of Education misspelled W.E.B. Du Bois’s name in a tweet Sunday honoring the iconic civil rights activist and author.
“Education must not simply teach work – it must teach life. — W.E.B. DeBois,” the tweet read, misspelling Du Bois’s last name.
Education must not simply teach work – it must teach life. – W.E.B. DeBois pic.twitter.com/Re4cWkPSFA
— US Dept of Education (@usedgov) February 12, 2017
The tweet quoting Du Bois, a prominent writer, historian and civil rights activist throughout the 1800s and 1900s, comes in the middle of Black History Month.
{mosads}The NAACP responded to the misspelled tweet on Sunday with another quote from Du Bois and an emphasis on his name spelled correctly.
“‘In the Days of Loose & Careless Logic, We Must Teach Thinkers to THINK.’ – William Edward Burghardt DU Bois,” the NAACP tweeted.
“In the Days of Loose & Careless Logic, We Must Teach Thinkers to THINK.” – William Edward Burghardt DU Boishttps://t.co/3m03Vnt5C1
— NAACP (@NAACP) February 12, 2017
The tweet has not been deleted, but the department’s official account posted a new tweet with his name spelled correctly and an apology.
Post updated – our deepest apologies for the earlier typo.
— US Dept of Education (@usedgov) February 12, 2017
“Education must not simply teach work – it must teach life.” – W.E.B. Du Bois pic.twitter.com/hSg4R1rLHH
— US Dept of Education (@usedgov) February 12, 2017
Some social media users pointed out the similarities between the misspelling of Du Bois’s name and Betty DeVos’s name. She was just confirmed as Education secretary after a contentious battle in the Senate.
@usedgov OMG, it’s DuBois. Who is in charge over there?…oh, wait, I get it.
— Jennifer Morgan (@ProfJLMorgan) February 12, 2017
I see they left Ms. “DuVos” in charge of the @usedgov Twitter feed pic.twitter.com/SW0scGm49u
— Jason Tocci (@JasonT) February 12, 2017
@usedgov If this is intentional, excellent joke and hope you keep your job.
— Lori (@lkcarswell) February 12, 2017
–This report was updated at 1:13 p.m.
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