As I tune into Betsy DeVos’s confirmation hearing on C-SPAN, I can’t help but feel a surge of frustration. Grabbing a cozy slipper I received for Christmas, I wave it at the screen, exclaiming, “This is unacceptable! She lacks actual teaching experience and doesn’t advocate for public education. Instead, she has funneled millions into the Republican party—$200 million, to be precise!” My partner, hearing my outburst from the kitchen, advises me to calm down, but my passion for education runs deep. As an educator who teaches at a private institution, I genuinely care about the future of public education and equitable opportunities for all students.
For those unaware, Betsy DeVos, selected by Donald Trump as his nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education, would oversee the Department of Education—a role that Trump has threatened to dismantle if given the chance. Instead, he has chosen to appoint DeVos, an advocate for dismantling public education systems.
In her role, DeVos would serve as the primary advisor to the president on educational policies and programs. The Department of Education is tasked with managing policies that impact education and working towards improvements in the educational framework across the country. This is where my concerns arise, primarily due to DeVos’s strong support for school choice, vouchers, and charter schools. My thoughts race, reflecting on the potential harm these policies could inflict on public education: detrimental, alarming, exclusive.
Vouchers allocate public funds for private and religious schooling, often favoring Christian institutions. The issue with vouchers and the school choice movement is that private schools can selectively admit students. As someone who works in a private school, I know that not every student seeking enrollment is accepted. This is particularly troubling because voucher schools can legally refuse students with disabilities, a fact that DeVos does not intend to change. Some charter schools also exclude students with learning disabilities, which poses significant challenges for vulnerable populations.
Instead of furthering a problematic system, I envision implementing models like those in Milwaukee, which offer a broad array of magnet schools and special interest programs, all while remaining fully public. This approach allows families to make choices without diverting taxpayer money to any religious institution.
If you think my concerns are unfounded, I urge you to research the state of Michigan and its experiences with school voucher systems. Over the past two decades, DeVos has championed the expansion of charter schools in Michigan, where approximately 80% are operated by for-profit entities—a higher rate than in any other state. The detrimental effects of these policies are evident in Detroit, where public schools have suffered declining enrollment and dwindling resources due to the redirection of funds to private institutions.
Moreover, the impact of voucher programs extends beyond educational institutions to the very fabric of communities. Schools serve as vital gathering places, fostering after-school activities and community engagement. When children start attending schools outside of their neighborhoods, the sense of community erodes. I grew up in a low-income area, where my school was just a short walk away. This proximity allowed me to participate in various after-school programs without the worry of transportation.
It truly takes a village, a sentiment echoed often for a reason. We need local support systems—neighbors, teachers, and friends—because these networks are crucial. We all desire quality education for our children, with schools that are easily accessible and safe. By investing in public education, we can create a supportive environment that benefits everyone.
Recent events have highlighted our collective responsibility to care for each other. We must advocate for all children served by public education and ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that eligible students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. Unlike private schools, public schools cannot turn away children based on their needs.
While Betsy DeVos may claim to prioritize children, it’s imperative to scrutinize her true intentions. We need a leader who genuinely advocates for all children, not just those who fit a certain mold. With DeVos at the helm, marginalized groups risk being left behind, navigating a system that offers them little support.
So what can you do? Engage with your U.S. senators through calls, messages, or social media. Advocate for the protection of public education, emphasizing the need for well-resourced, safe, and professionally staffed schools in our communities. Let’s unite for the future of our children.
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In summary, Betsy DeVos’s nomination as Secretary of Education raises serious concerns about her commitment to public education and the welfare of all students, especially those with disabilities. Advocating for public education is crucial for maintaining community cohesion and ensuring equitable access to quality education.