In an unprecedented move, Betsy DeVos became the first U.S. education secretary nominee to face such a significant backlash that her confirmation was nearly derailed. Parents, educators, and advocacy groups expressed their discontent through a wave of communication directed at senators, highlighting their concerns about her nomination.
As a former educator, researcher, and mother of two young children, I was appalled by DeVos’s selection. My initial shock quickly turned to anger as her limited understanding of critical education policies became evident during her confirmation hearings. Her long-standing disdain for public education, coupled with her support for diverting taxpayer funds from public schools into private (often religious) institutions, has resulted in negative consequences in her home state of Michigan. DeVos, a wealthy conservative activist, has consistently resisted the accountability measures that are expected of public schools.
However, now that she has been confirmed, what can concerned parents do to protect our public education system? The answer is clear: we cannot afford to become disheartened or passive. The stakes are too high, especially for the most vulnerable students, including those with disabilities and those attending underfunded schools. Rather than viewing DeVos’s confirmation as a defeat, we must recognize it as a call to action in the ongoing fight for public education.
Julie Jenkins, a public education advocate, noted, “Getting involved can seem daunting, but engaging at the state level is often less intimidating than you might think. Legislators welcome feedback from parents, who provide a raw perspective often missing from lobbyists’ input.” Here are several steps parents can take to bolster public education:
1. Educate Yourself on Education Issues
Follow education bloggers and activists on social media to stay informed about current educational challenges. Attend local school board meetings to learn about the issues impacting your district.
2. Engage Locally
Volunteer in your child’s school, consulting with teachers about their needs and concerns to relay to local and state representatives. Join or establish a parent-teacher organization to foster community support for educational initiatives. If you’re inspired, consider running for a position on the school board. Organizations like the nonpartisan She Should Run can assist women in pursuing office. Talk to friends and neighbors about the importance of public education and write to local newspapers to raise awareness about educational successes and challenges. Support students in the community through mentoring or tutoring, and connect with grassroots campaigns advocating for reforms, such as those focusing on standardized testing.
3. Advocate at the State and National Levels
Regularly communicate with your elected representatives regarding education policies. Attend town hall meetings to voice your concerns and invite them to community discussions about education. Monitor the education budget in your area, advocating against harmful cuts. Connect local advocacy groups with statewide organizations to strengthen your impact. Consider supporting civil rights organizations that promote diversity in public schools, such as the National Coalition for School Diversity.
Betsy DeVos’s confirmation poses a significant challenge for public education, but united, we can amplify our voices to protect our children’s educational future. By actively participating in local and state advocacy, we can work to prevent the dismantling of public education.
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In summary, while Betsy DeVos’s confirmation represents a setback, parents can take proactive steps to defend public education through local involvement, state advocacy, and nationwide initiatives.