As I tune into Betsy DeVos’s confirmation hearing on C-SPAN, I can’t help but feel a surge of frustration. Grabbing my cozy slipper gifted to me last Christmas, I raise it toward the screen and exclaim loudly, “This is wrong! She lacks educational experience and does not advocate for public schools. What she does support is a political agenda, having donated over $200 million to the Republican Party!”
My partner, hearing my outburst from the kitchen, cautions me to stay calm. Yet, as an educator who teaches in a private institution and advocates for public education, my heart races. I believe in equal educational opportunities for every child.
For those who may not be aware, Betsy DeVos has been nominated by Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Education. This position is not just a title; it entails being the principal advisor to the president regarding federal education policies and programs. The implications of her nomination are troubling, especially considering Trump’s previous comments about dismantling the Department of Education entirely. Instead of doing away with it, he has chosen someone who has historically undermined public education: DeVos.
One of my primary concerns with DeVos is her strong advocacy for school choice, which includes vouchers and charter schools. As I reflect on this, I’m overwhelmed by the potential harm it poses to our public education system. Vouchers, which allow public funding to be redirected toward private and often religious schools, primarily benefit those who can afford to choose. I work at a private institution, and we have the discretion to select our students. Consequently, many private schools, including some charter schools, can lawfully deny admission to students with disabilities. DeVos has shown no intention of addressing these practices.
What’s more, looking at her track record in Michigan, where she has long championed charter schools, it’s concerning. Approximately 80% of Michigan’s charter schools are operated by for-profit companies, a statistic that significantly surpasses the national average. The decline in public school enrollment and resources in Detroit since the introduction of the voucher system exemplifies what could happen nationwide under DeVos’s influence.
Public schools serve as vital community hubs. They provide a gathering space for children, activities, and after-school programs, fostering a sense of belonging. When schools lose students to private institutions, neighborhoods suffer. My own upbringing in a low-income area taught me the importance of having a quality school nearby—less than two blocks away—where I could easily attend after-school events and receive homework help.
The adage “it takes a village” resonates deeply here; supportive networks are essential for our children’s success. We must advocate for accessible, quality public education that is well-resourced and staffed by qualified professionals. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education. DeVos’s focus on school choice risks undermining this fundamental right.
Though she may assert that her initiatives are for the benefit of children, we must critically evaluate whose interests are truly being served. The push for school choice could leave the most vulnerable children scrambling for scarce resources.
To counter this troubling trajectory, it’s crucial to take action. Reach out to your U.S. Senator to advocate for the protection of public education. Express the need for investment in safe, well-resourced public schools in your community. For more information on fertility and family planning, consider visiting resources such as ACOG – Treating Infertility, or explore options like the Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit and supplements to boost fertility from Make a Mom – Boost Fertility Supplements.
In summary, Betsy DeVos’s nomination as Secretary of Education raises significant concerns regarding her commitment to public education and the welfare of all students, especially those with disabilities. It is imperative that we advocate for a system that supports every child, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
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