As I tuned into Betsy DeVos’s confirmation hearing on C-SPAN, I felt compelled to express my frustration. Grasping my cozy slipper, I aimed it at the screen and exclaimed, “This is unacceptable! She lacks teaching experience and does not advocate for public education. Instead, she is a major donor to the Republican Party—over $200 million!”
My partner, hearing my heated remarks from the kitchen, urged me to calm down. But as an educator who works in a private institution, I am acutely aware of how vital public education is for equitable opportunities.
For those unfamiliar, Betsy DeVos is Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education, a position that oversees the Department of Education. This is the very department that Trump has openly stated he would dismantle if given the chance. With DeVos at the helm, we risk having someone who undermines public education in charge of national educational policies.
Concerns About School Choice
One of my significant concerns is DeVos’s fervent support for school choice, which includes vouchers and charter schools. These concepts can lead to detrimental consequences for public education. Vouchers, which are essentially public funds allocated for private and often religious schools, represent a troubling trend. Private institutions have the authority to select their students, which means they can and often do refuse admission to children with disabilities. DeVos has not indicated any intention to change this practice. While some charter schools may accept all students, many do not accommodate those with special needs.
Instead of promoting a system that benefits all children, I advocate for a model similar to what exists in Milwaukee, where there is a robust selection of magnet and special interest public schools—offering real choices without diverting tax dollars to religious institutions.
The Michigan Experience
If you think my concerns are exaggerated, consider the situation in Michigan. DeVos has been a driving force behind the expansion of charter schools there for over two decades. Currently, around 80% of Michigan’s charter schools are managed by for-profit companies, a higher percentage than any other state. The consequences of her policies in Detroit have led to a decline in public school enrollment and resources, with funds being siphoned away from public schools to support private alternatives.
Impact on Communities
Moreover, the impact of school voucher programs extends beyond academic performance; they can significantly alter the fabric of neighborhoods. Schools often serve as community hubs, fostering connections among families and providing safe spaces for children after school. When students are dispersed across different institutions, the sense of community can disintegrate, making it harder for families to bond and support each other.
I grew up in a low-income neighborhood where our local school was just two blocks away. That proximity allowed me to participate in after-school activities without worrying about transportation. It truly takes a village, and we need to prioritize maintaining close-knit communities with accessible, well-resourced public schools.
The Importance of IDEA
As we consider the implications of DeVos’s potential leadership, we must remember the importance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law mandates that all children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their needs. DeVos’s advocacy for school choice could jeopardize these fundamental rights for many vulnerable children.
While DeVos may claim to champion educational opportunities for children, we must critically assess whether her approach genuinely serves all students. With her focus on school choice, the most disadvantaged children may be left to fend for themselves in a system that does not prioritize their needs.
What You Can Do
So, what can you do? It’s essential to engage with your senators and urge them to protect public education. We need to advocate for investment in safe, well-resourced public schools in our communities.
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In summary, Betsy DeVos’s vision for education raises significant concerns about the future of public schooling in America. Her prioritization of private education through vouchers and charter schools threatens to undermine the essential services that public schools provide, especially for marginalized communities. It is crucial that we stand up for our educational system and ensure that every child has access to quality education.