Cavazos Is Sworn In as Education Secretary; First Latino in Cabinet

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed Lauro F. Cavazos as education secretary and he was sworn in hours later by fellow Texan and Republican presidential candidate George Bush.

In an East Room ceremony at the White House, President Reagan called Cavazos, the first Latino Cabinet member in history, “a sterling example of the magnificent contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our national life.”

The vice president gave Cavazos the oath of office as Cavazos’ wife, Peggy, held the family Bible. The couple’s 10 children also were present.

Cavazos, 61, the president of Texas Tech University and its medical school, said Reagan’s leadership and commitment to education had “truly helped this country make significant gains and strides.”

But, he said, “we must awaken America to renew its commitment to education” to help all citizens reach their potential.

Unanimous Vote

Earlier, senators voted 94 to 0 to confirm Cavazos after members praised him for being active in education reform, an advocate of the federal government’s role in education and a healing influence. He replaces outgoing Secretary William J. Bennett.

Some Latino leaders have questioned the timing of Reagan’s decision to nominate Cavazos in the waning months of his Administration and suggested he was courting Latino votes to bolster Bush’s candidacy in Texas, one of the key battleground states in the November election.