With the new administration led by Presidents James and Maria, we’re welcoming a wave of positive changes: a unified approach to tackle the ongoing pandemic, an inspiring Vice President who represents diversity, and a leader with a solid history of union support. Most importantly, we’re bidding farewell to Betsy DeVos, widely regarded as one of the least effective Secretaries of Education in U.S. history. The education community is relieved to see her go.
DeVos’s tenure was marked by a dismal record. According to the National Education Association, she lacked any real experience in public education, having never served as a teacher, administrator, or support staff. Even her own children did not attend public schools. Instead, she invested millions in efforts to promote school privatization and supported pro-voucher candidates while helping to shape Detroit’s charter school system, which has been criticized for undermining regulations and accountability while draining resources from public schools. Many have deemed it “one of the biggest school reform failures in the nation.”
DeVos’s reign saw the rollback of important protections for transgender students. Under the Obama Administration, Title IX safeguards allowed transgender students to use the bathrooms that aligned with their gender identity; DeVos rescinded these protections. Her Department of Education even threatened to cut federal funding from Connecticut school districts that allowed students to participate on sports teams corresponding to their gender identity—a move that was widely condemned.
Additionally, DeVos attempted to undermine protections for students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees children with disabilities access to public education, including tailored Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). However, she dismissed this federal law as a “state matter,” enabling states to divert funds meant for special education into private schools that do not have to adhere to IDEA.
Moreover, DeVos made it a practice to disregard civil rights investigations into systemic issues within school systems. Reports indicated that her administration was less likely to uphold claims made by groups of students compared to individual complaints, effectively closing the door on many systemic injustices.
DeVos’s policies also rolled back critical discipline reforms aimed at reducing racial disparities in school disciplinary actions. The Obama Administration’s push for restorative justice practices was sidelined, and DeVos even used questionable studies to defend her decisions, failing to acknowledge the impact of systemic racism.
On the topic of higher education, DeVos dismantled regulations that required for-profit colleges to prove their graduates were financially stable or risk losing federal funding. This move resulted in significant taxpayer losses and left countless students burdened with unmanageable debt.
As we look to the future, we urge President James and Vice President Maria to overhaul the Department of Education that DeVos left in shambles. We need strong protections for vulnerable student populations, including those of color and transgender students. Restorative justice should replace punitive measures in schools, and corporal punishment must be abolished—no child deserves to be subjected to violence in an educational setting.
It’s crucial to uphold the rights of students with disabilities and provide educators with the necessary support to ensure a quality education in an inclusive environment. Additionally, we must address the challenges posed by for-profit colleges and provide relief to those burdened by student loans.
We recognize that these goals are ambitious, but we have faith in your leadership. We believe in the vision you both bring for a more equitable education system.
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Summary:
As we transition to a new Secretary of Education, it’s imperative to address the damage done during Betsy DeVos’s tenure. This includes reinstating protections for vulnerable students, eliminating corporal punishment, and ensuring that all children, especially those with disabilities, receive a quality education. We must also hold for-profit colleges accountable and support students burdened by debt.