Bethune-Cookman University students made good on their vow to protest a commencement speech by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, booing as she was introduced and turning their backs on her as she spoke.

The moment DeVos was introduced at the Ocean Center on Wednesday, graduates made their voices heard by booing. 

As she continued on with her address, dozens of students stood up and turned their backs on DeVos, some standing for the duration of the speech.

The booing reached an intensity that prompted B-CU President Edison O. Jackson to intervene.

“If this behavior continues…” said Jackson, interrupting both DeVos and the booing.

DeVos acknowledged the controversy behind her appearance, which a regional NAACP leader had called a "slap in the face."

She was criticized earlier this year when she said historically black colleges were "pioneers of school choice." Critics, meanwhile, point out that black colleges grew out of necessity, because black students were barred from attending regular universities and colleges.

“The only reason why the graduates felt that we needed to stand up was just to show that we feel there’s a need for the HBCU’s presence within the world,” said Eric Barker, who received his diploma Wednesday.

Other students thought they were left out of the decision-making process for commencement speaker.

Jackson argued it was a good idea to invite DeVos, which stemmed from a meeting between President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black colleges and universities.

“Her department controls roughly 80 some percent of Title IV monies, as well as other grants,” Jackson said, pointing out that her department controls federal funding for universities and colleges.

Jackson said he and the school's board of trustees were well aware of the controversy her invitation attracted. But groups can disagree, he said, but do not have to be disagreeable about the choice — referencing the dozens of protesters marching outside on Atlantic Avenue, some since 9 a.m., chanting "Fire DeVos." 

B-CU Chief Operating Officer Dr. Albert Mosley said before the ceremony that having DeVos at the school's commencement will help shed light on the needs of black colleges and would help foster a dialogue about her "misstatement."

"We look forward to continued efforts that will positively influence the direction of higher education in this country," Mosley said.

Meanwhile, graduation ceremonies did go on. In between some of the booing, DeVos spoke about coming together as a nation, the importance of higher education and encouraged the graduating class to thank a teacher who made an impact in their lives. 

B-CU commencement replay