As I tune in to Betsy DeVos’s confirmation hearing on C-SPAN, I can’t contain my frustration. I raise my cozy slipper, a Christmas gift, in protest and exclaim from the kitchen, “This is unacceptable! She lacks teaching experience and does not support public education. Instead, she’s a major donor to the Republican Party—over $200 million, to be precise!”
My partner advises me to calm down, but my heart races. As an educator at a private institution, I feel deeply invested in public education and am committed to ensuring every child has access to quality learning opportunities.
In case you haven’t heard, Betsy DeVos has been nominated by Donald Trump to be the United States Secretary of Education, overseeing the Department that is responsible for educational policies across the nation. This is the same department Trump once said he would dismantle if he could. Since he can’t do that, he’s instead appointed someone who has long been an advocate for dismantling public education—Ms. DeVos.
As Secretary, DeVos would serve as the principal adviser to the president on all matters related to education. However, her strong advocacy for school choice, vouchers, and charter schools raises significant concerns for me. I can’t help but think of the potential harm to public education and the fragmentation it may cause.
Vouchers allow public funding to pay for tuition at private and often religious schools, predominantly Christian ones. The troubling aspect of this system is that private schools can selectively admit students, meaning they can deny enrollment to those with disabilities. Betsy DeVos has shown no intention of changing this. Some charter schools also refuse to accept students with learning disabilities, which is a serious concern.
Instead of promoting such divisive policies, I would advocate for a system similar to Milwaukee’s—an array of quality magnet schools that are entirely public. This allows families to choose without diverting taxpayer money to religious institutions.
If you think I’m overreacting, just take a look at Michigan’s experience with school voucher programs. Over two decades, DeVos has been instrumental in pushing for charter schools in the state. Alarmingly, about 80% of Michigan’s charter schools are operated by for-profit companies, a statistic that starkly contrasts with the national average.
The impact of her policies on Detroit’s public schools has been devastating. Enrollment has plummeted, and public resources have dwindled as funds are redirected to private institutions.
Additionally, it’s vital to recognize the community implications of school vouchers. A neighborhood thrives when children attend local schools, participating in after-school activities and forming lasting relationships with teachers and peers. When students are dispersed among various private institutions, the sense of community erodes, and the local support systems weaken.
Growing up in a low-income area, I was fortunate to have a school just blocks away. This proximity allowed me to participate in after-school programs without transportation woes. Community support is essential; we need schools that are accessible, safe, and well-resourced to foster strong neighborhood ties.
Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to advocate for all children in our public education system. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that schools provide necessary services to students with disabilities, ensuring they receive a free and appropriate education. We need a Secretary who prioritizes inclusivity and access for every child, not just a select few.
While DeVos may claim to champion children’s education, we must scrutinize her true intentions. Advocating for school choice often leaves vulnerable populations, particularly low-income families and those needing special services, scrambling for inadequate options.
If you wish to support public education, consider reaching out to your U.S. Senator. It’s crucial to demand investment in well-resourced, safe, and professionally staffed public schools in our communities. We owe it to our children to ensure they have the educational opportunities they deserve.
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In summary, Betsy DeVos’s nomination poses significant risks to public education and the communities it serves. As we navigate these changes, it is essential to advocate for an inclusive and supportive educational system that benefits all children.