Betsy DeVos Is NOT the Right Choice for Education Secretary

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As I sit down to watch the confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos on C-SPAN, I can’t help but feel a surge of frustration. I lift my cozy slipper, ready to express my discontent, and I call out to my partner in the kitchen, “This is outrageous! She’s not an educator and shows no real support for public education. Instead, she’s a major donor to the Republican party — to the tune of $200 million!”

Sure, my partner tells me to calm down, but it’s hard to contain my emotions. As a passionate educator, currently working in a private institution, I genuinely care about public education and believe every child deserves access to quality learning opportunities.

For those unaware, Betsy DeVos is Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, a position overseeing the U.S. Department of Education — a department that Trump himself has expressed a desire to dismantle. Since that isn’t feasible, he has chosen to nominate someone who seems intent on undermining public education altogether: Ms. DeVos.

As Secretary, DeVos would serve as the primary adviser to the president on educational policies and programs across the nation. This is concerning, especially given her strong advocacy for school choice, which often translates to school vouchers and charter schools. My thoughts race as I contemplate the potential ramifications of her policies: detrimental, inequitable, alarming.

Vouchers are essentially taxpayer funds allocated for private and religious schools — often Christian institutions. The crux of the issue is that private schools can selectively choose their students, meaning many children with disabilities can be turned away. DeVos has not indicated any intention to change this. While some charter schools may be inclusive, many do not accept students with learning disabilities, leaving vulnerable populations without adequate support.

What I envision instead is a system similar to Milwaukee’s, which offers diverse, publicly funded magnet schools that are accessible to all. This approach allows families to choose without diverting tax money to religious institutions.

If you think I’m being overly dramatic about DeVos’s nomination, I encourage you to look into Michigan’s experiences with her educational policies. For over two decades, she has championed the growth of charter schools in the state, where approximately 80% are managed by for-profit companies — a staggering figure compared to the national average.

The decline in enrollment and funding for public schools in Detroit since the implementation of the voucher program is alarming. Public schools have suffered while private institutions thrive, leading to a loss of community engagement, resources, and overall educational quality.

Moreover, I worry about the impact of scattering students across different institutions on community cohesion. Schools serve as community hubs, where children participate in extracurricular activities and form friendships. When students are dispersed, neighborhoods lose their sense of belonging and connectedness.

This is a personal issue for me. I grew up in a low-income area where our neighborhood school was just a short walk away. This proximity allowed me to participate in after-school programs without the added stress of transportation. We often hear that “it takes a village” to raise children, and it’s true. We need supportive networks of neighbors and educators close by to foster social development.

As parents and caregivers, we all desire the best for our children — high-quality education in safe, nearby schools. The investment in our public education system is crucial for achieving this goal.

In these challenging times, it’s imperative to advocate for all children, particularly those with special needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. This law is non-negotiable, and public schools are obligated to uphold it.

While DeVos may claim to champion children’s education, we must discern her true intentions. Her push for school choice could leave low-income families and those needing special services scrambling for limited resources.

What Can You Do?

Advocate for public education by reaching out to your U.S. Senator. Demand they prioritize funding for well-resourced, clean, and safe public schools in your community. Your voice matters for the future of our children.

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Summary

Betsy DeVos’s nomination for Secretary of Education raises significant concerns regarding her commitment to public education. Her support for school vouchers and charter schools could negatively impact public schools and communities. Advocating for all children’s educational needs is crucial, and investing in public education is essential for a brighter future.

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