Leslie Fenwick, dean emeritus of Howard University’s School of Education, is among the top contenders for education secretary when President-elect Joe Biden assumes the presidency next month, The Washington Post reported this week.
Sources are conflicting on how close Biden is to a decision, with several telling The Post that it’s currently a two-horse race between Fenwick and Connecticut education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, while others say more candidates are in the running.
Fenwick’s selection could be problematic, however, given her history of opposition to the Obama administration on education reform, The Post reported.
The consideration of Fenwick, a Black woman, and Cardona, a Latino man, is in line with Biden’s campaign vow to have a diverse administration and Cabinet. His vice president, Kamala Harris, is a Howard University graduate and the first Black, first woman and first Asian American in the position.