Since her nomination as Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos has consistently stirred controversy. A wealthy Republican contributor and proponent of school choice, her lack of public school experience, alongside familial connections to the controversial private security firm Blackwater, has raised eyebrows. Her confirmation hearings became infamous, partly due to her poor responses and her suggestion that firearms might be necessary to protect students from grizzly bears.
DeVos has described education reform as “a way to advance God’s kingdom” and compared selecting a school to choosing between ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. Furthermore, she labeled historically black colleges and universities as “real pioneers” in school choice, even though these institutions were established during a time of severe racial segregation.
However, DeVos’s rhetoric has yet to translate into concrete actions, leaving many wondering what her tenure as education secretary would look like. Increasingly, we are witnessing the ramifications of her policies, which appear alarming.
She has made it more challenging for Americans to manage their student loan debts, rolling back protections put in place by the Obama administration. This includes eliminating assistance for borrowers dealing with predatory loan companies and reversing protections that prevented lenders from imposing fees on those attempting to escape default. Moreover, plans to create a streamlined repayment system have been discarded, leaving borrowers to navigate a convoluted landscape.
DeVos’s proposed budget cuts to education are set to disproportionately affect low-income students. The “America First” budget suggests a 13% reduction, amounting to approximately $9 billion, including $1.2 billion slashed from summer and after-school programs for at-risk youth. Notably, programs initiated by President Obama that foster local school diversity and support first-generation college students are also on the chopping block. Conversely, $1.4 billion will be redirected to voucher and school choice initiatives.
Her unusual security detail, costing taxpayers roughly $1 million monthly, further complicates her role—this level of protection for a Secretary of Education is unprecedented.
DeVos’s recent appointment of Candice Jackson to lead the Office of Civil Rights raises further concerns. Jackson, known for her opposition to affirmative action and for her controversial views on feminism, has voiced skepticism regarding the enforcement of Title IX, particularly in cases of sexual assault on college campuses. This lack of commitment to uphold such essential protections has drawn criticism from figures like former Vice President Joe Biden, who emphasized the detrimental impact that weak enforcement would have on college women.
Amidst the chaos and upheaval of the current administration, it’s crucial to pay attention to the significant shifts Betsy DeVos is attempting to implement in our education system. Her vision for schools and universities appears to neglect the needs of society’s most vulnerable groups.
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Summary
Betsy DeVos has taken several controversial steps as Secretary of Education, including rolling back student loan protections and proposing significant budget cuts that adversely affect low-income students. Her recent appointments and reluctance to enforce Title IX have raised concerns about civil rights protections in education. As her policies unfold, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about their implications for vulnerable populations.