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Former President Barack Obama walks with first lady Michelle Obama and White House Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett after visiting the Coral Reef High School in Miami, Florida, March 7, 2014. Yuri Gripas / Reuters file

"I think that the worst thing that a college or university can do is try to ignore it," said Jarrett. "Now you also have to recognize freedom of speech, but there are clear lines between freedom of speech and hate crimes. And hate crimes are crimes that should be prosecuted."

Speaking on her success, she also touched on her climb up the ladder and the importance of being a mentor and an advocate for younger women.

"What I try to tell young peopleI say young women mostly because frankly, men don't need a promotion in this space because most of you think you are deserving of a promotion your first day of your job," she said to laughs from the audience. "And you're not shy and this is a big stereotype, so don't frown at me guys in the audience. But I do think sometimes women need to be nudged a little bit."

Reflecting on her early career, she shared a personal story of a female mentor who pushed her, encouraging her to ask for her first promotion.

"I thought it was unseemly. I was like, 'Well when my boss recognizes that I'm worthy well of course he'll give me a promotion.' And she said, 'Well that's ridiculous why would he do that unless you tell him you're deserving?' And she just kept pushing me and really without her I might still be in that cubicle."

Former President Barack Obama, joined by Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Senior White House Adviser Valerie Jarrett, speaks during a Democratic Governors Association Meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington, Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. Carolyn Kaster / AP file

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