William Bennett under fire for abortion comment

Former U.S. Education Secretary William Bennett – who operates a controversial virtual school in Wisconsin – came under fire this week (September 30, 2005) for making what many called a racist comment about abortion.

William Bennett

Bennett told a caller to his syndicated radio talk show Wednesday: "If you wanted to reduce crime, you could – if that were your sole purpose – you could abort every black baby in this country and your crime rate would go down. ... That would be an impossibly ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down."

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Illinois) suggested a House resolution condemning Bennett's remarks as "outrageous racism of the most bigoted and ignorant kind." Bruce Gordon, president and CEO of the NAACP, called Bennett's comment "ignorant and insensitive."

Bennett – who was President Ronald Reagan's education secretary from 1985 to 1988 and served as the nation's drug czar under the first President George Bush – has positioned himself over the years as a spokesman for right-wing ideologies. He has made millions of dollars as a speaker, author and radio talk show host.

Although he is author of the "Book of Virtues," his own character came under question in 2003 when it was reported that Bennett had lost millions of dollars gambling in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Bennett's private for-profit education company K12 operates the Wisconsin Virtual Academy through the Northern Ozaukee School District.

WEAC has filed a lawsuit challenging the academy, arguing that the school is not complying with a state law requiring that public school students be taught by certified teachers.

WEAC lawsuit challenges legality of virtual school

Posted September 30, 2005