In a recent Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos faced scrutiny over her stance on protecting LGBTQ students in private schools. DeVos, who is at the helm of the Department of Education, did not commit to ensuring that schools receiving federal funds would be barred from discriminating against LGBTQ individuals.
During the hearing, she stated that while federal funds would not be allocated to schools violating existing federal anti-discrimination laws, the lack of explicit protections for LGBTQ students means her assurances are largely ambiguous. When pressed by Senator Mark Thompson (D-CA) about whether schools could receive federal funding while still discriminating against LGBTQ students, DeVos replied, “Schools that receive federal funds will follow federal law, period.” However, her response did not clarify the uncertainty surrounding the legal protections for LGBTQ students.
DeVos’ proposed budget significantly reduces funding for public schools while shifting resources toward school choice initiatives, thereby facilitating access to private and religious institutions. Her refusal to provide clear guidance on discrimination means that schools might still receive federal support despite refusing admission based on sexual orientation or gender identity. “On areas where the law is unsettled, this department is not going to be issuing decrees,” she said, indicating that such matters should be resolved by Congress and the courts.
This stance has raised concerns among advocates for civil rights and LGBTQ equality, who argue that allowing states to determine their own policies could create a fragmented system where the rights of LGBTQ students are inconsistently protected. Advocates, including Jordan Miles, director of the Equality Foundation, have criticized DeVos for her lack of commitment: “Her approach essentially enables private schools to discriminate while benefiting from public funds.”
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In summary, Betsy DeVos has not committed to protecting LGBTQ students in private schools receiving federal funds. This ambiguity raises significant concerns about discrimination in educational institutions while her proposed budget reallocates funds towards private schooling options, leaving many advocates worried about the implications for equality and access to education.