If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you know that Betsy DeVos has been a figure of contention since her appointment as Secretary of Education. A prominent Republican donor and proponent of school choice, DeVos lacks formal teaching experience and has familial ties to the controversial private security firm, Blackwater. Her confirmation hearings made headlines, particularly when she suggested that guns might be necessary to protect students from grizzly bears.
DeVos has made several eyebrow-raising statements about education. She once compared selecting a school to choosing between ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and referred to historically black colleges and universities as “real pioneers” in school choice—a statement that overlooks their historical context established during segregation.
While critics have voiced skepticism about her potential policies, signs are now emerging that paint a clearer picture of her administration’s direction—and the outlook is worrying.
Student Loan Repayment Complications
One of DeVos’s first moves has been to complicate student loan repayment, rolling back protections established during the Obama era that aimed to shield borrowers from predatory practices. She has removed safeguards that kept students clear of poorly performing loan servicers and has scrapped plans for a streamlined loan repayment system. This shift will likely make repayment more burdensome for many Americans.
Budget Cuts to Education
DeVos’s budget proposals are equally troubling, with a projected 13% cut to education funding, amounting to approximately $9 billion. Programs crucial for low-income students, including summer and after-school initiatives, are on the chopping block. The elimination of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports 1.6 million children across the country, is just one example of how these cuts will adversely affect vulnerable populations. In stark contrast, $1.4 billion will be redirected towards voucher and school choice programs, raising serious concerns about equity in education.
Controversial Appointments
Her choice for heading the Office of Civil Rights, Candice Jackson, also raises red flags. Jackson, known for her controversial views on affirmative action and feminism, will oversee investigations into discrimination claims affecting women and minorities. Notably, she has been hesitant to commit to enforcing Title IX, which is essential for addressing sexual assault on college campuses. Former Vice President Joe Biden has expressed concern that undermining Title IX enforcement sends the harmful message that sexual assault is permissible.
As daily chaos dominates the headlines around the Trump administration, it’s easy to overlook the significant changes Betsy DeVos is implementing in our educational landscape. Her vision for schools and universities appears to neglect the needs of society’s most vulnerable groups, reminding us of the importance of staying informed.
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Summary
Betsy DeVos’s tenure as Secretary of Education has been marked by controversial decisions impacting student loan repayment, significant budget cuts to crucial educational programs, and appointments that raise questions about civil rights enforcement. As her policies take shape, they appear to prioritize school choice over equity, potentially undermining support for low-income and marginalized students.