The appointment of Betsy DeVos as the U.S. Secretary of Education has sparked unprecedented outrage among parents, educators, and advocates alike. Never before had a nominee faced such a fierce backlash, resulting in a tidal wave of phone calls, letters, and social media posts directed at senators. As a former teacher and, more importantly, a mother of two, I found DeVos’s confirmation to be utterly unacceptable. Her glaring ignorance about fundamental education policies was evident during her Senate hearing, and her long-standing disdain for public education is reflected in her past remarks. DeVos’s approach to education reform—redirecting taxpayer dollars from public schools to private (and often religious) institutions—has proven detrimental in her home state of Michigan. As a wealthy conservative activist, she has resisted the accountability measures expected of charter schools, which undermines our public education system.
So, what can concerned parents do in light of this unsettling development? It’s crucial that we don’t retreat into despair; we cannot afford to become complacent. The stakes are high, particularly for our most vulnerable students, including those with disabilities and those in underfunded schools. The confirmation of DeVos isn’t the end; it’s merely the beginning of a new chapter in the fight for public education.
“Getting involved can feel overwhelming,” said community advocate Sarah Thompson. “But it’s not as daunting as you might think, especially at the local level. Legislators appreciate hearing directly from parents, who bring genuine insights about the realities in their schools.”
Here are several proactive steps parents can take to defend public education:
- Educate Yourself on Key Issues: Follow education bloggers and activists on social media to stay informed about current challenges and advocacy efforts in education. Attending local school board meetings is also a great way to understand the issues affecting your district.
- Engage Locally: Volunteer at your child’s school and communicate with teachers about their needs. Join or establish a parent-teacher organization to facilitate discussions about educational needs. Consider running for the school board or getting involved with organizations like Emerge America, which trains women for public office. Encourage conversations about the significance of public education with friends and family, and share your thoughts through letters to the editor of local newspapers. Additionally, mentoring or tutoring local students can make a direct impact.
- Advocate Statewide and Nationally: Regularly reach out to your representatives regarding education policies. Attend public meetings with them to discuss local educational concerns. It’s essential to monitor and voice your opinions on the education budget, as state budget cuts can severely affect school quality. Connect with statewide advocacy groups like the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools and the Network for Public Education. Volunteering for civil rights organizations, such as the National Coalition for School Diversity, can also be beneficial.
Betsy DeVos’s confirmation may feel like a significant setback for public education, but by uniting as parents, educators, and concerned citizens, we can raise our voices and work to protect the foundation of our public school system. Together, we can prevent the dismantling of public education and ensure that every child receives a quality education.
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In summary, we must remain vigilant and proactive in defending public education. There are numerous ways to get involved, from local volunteer efforts to statewide advocacy. By working together, we can safeguard the future of public education for all students.