As I tune into Betsy DeVos’s confirmation hearing, I can’t help but feel a surge of frustration. Clutching my cozy slipper (a delightful Christmas gift, mind you), I find myself shouting at the screen, “This is wrong! She’s not an educator and doesn’t support public education!” Instead, it seems she’s more focused on her hefty contributions to the Republican party—around $200 million, to be precise.
My husband, trying to keep the peace, advises me to calm down. But as an educator working in a private school, I can’t help but worry about the implications of DeVos’s nomination as Donald Trump’s Secretary of Education. This is the person who would head the U.S. Department of Education, the very department that Trump has declared he would happily dismantle if given the chance. Since he can’t do that, he’s opting for a nominee known for her anti-public education stance—Betsy DeVos.
If confirmed, DeVos would be the principal adviser to the president on all matters related to education in the United States. The Department of Education is crucial for setting and upholding policies that govern our educational system, and I have serious reservations about her commitment to public schools.
One of my primary concerns is DeVos’s enthusiasm for school choice, which often translates into vouchers and charter schools. Just thinking about the potential fallout for public education makes me anxious: Fragmented. Detrimental. Exclusionary. Vouchers allow public funds to be used for private and often religious schools, which can cherry-pick their students. This means that, in many cases, students with disabilities can be turned away. Unfortunately, DeVos has shown no intention of changing that.
In Michigan, where DeVos has been a prominent advocate for charter schools, the results have been alarming. A staggering 80% of the state’s charter schools are run by for-profit companies, leading to a decline in public school resources and enrollment. What happened in Detroit could easily spread across the nation, diminishing the quality and availability of neighborhood public schools.
Public schools are more than just places for learning; they are the heart of communities. When children are dispersed across various private institutions, the fabric of neighborhoods begins to unravel. Schools serve as gathering places and social hubs, and without them, communities lose their unity and support systems. I know this firsthand; growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I relied on my local school not just for education but for after-school activities and community connections.
We all want our children to receive a quality education, and that means investing in public schools that are accessible and well-resourced. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. DeVos may claim to advocate for children, but her agenda could leave the most vulnerable students scrambling for whatever scraps are left.
If you’re questioning DeVos’s suitability for this role, don’t just take my word for it; look into the effects of her policies in Michigan and beyond. For more insights on home insemination and parenting, check out this informative article on the importance of choosing the right path for your family.
So, what can you do? Raise your voice! Contact your U.S. Senator and advocate for the protection of public education. Make it clear that you support well-resourced, inclusive public schools for all children.
In summary, Betsy DeVos’s nomination as Secretary of Education raises significant concerns about the future of public education. Her focus on school choice and vouchers threatens to undermine the very fabric of our communities and the quality of education for all students, especially those with special needs. It’s time to champion the importance of public education and hold our leaders accountable.