If you haven’t been keeping up with Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education, you might be surprised to learn about her recent actions. Since her nomination, DeVos has sparked numerous controversies. A wealthy Republican donor and proponent of school choice, she lacks direct experience in teaching or public schools. Interestingly, she has familial ties to Erik Prince, the founder of the controversial private security firm Blackwater.
During her confirmation hearings, DeVos became the subject of mockery—not only for her performance but also for her assertion that guns might be necessary to protect children from grizzly bears. She has framed education reform as a means of furthering “God’s kingdom” and compared choosing a school to selecting a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft. Additionally, she referred to historically Black colleges and universities as “real pioneers in school choice,” despite their origins during a time of racial segregation when students of color were barred from white institutions. However, these statements were merely rhetoric; her actual plans as Secretary of Education were initially unclear.
Now, concrete actions are beginning to reveal how DeVos intends to shape our education system—and the outlook is troubling. For starters, her policies are complicating student loan repayment for many Americans. DeVos has eliminated protections put in place by the Obama administration that aimed to shield borrowers from predatory lending practices. She also reversed a crucial policy that had prevented lenders from imposing collection fees on borrowers trying to escape default. Furthermore, DeVos has scrapped plans for a centralized student loan repayment system, leaving borrowers to navigate a confusing web of lenders.
Budget cuts under her administration are likely to disproportionately affect low-income students. The proposed “America First” budget includes a staggering 13% reduction in education funding, amounting to approximately $9 billion. Notably, about $1.2 billion of these cuts will impact summer and after-school programs for at-risk youth. Among the targeted initiatives is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which serves 1.6 million children nationwide. The administration also plans to eliminate programs designed to foster school integration and support first-generation college students, while reallocating around $1.4 billion to voucher and school choice initiatives.
Former education secretary under President Obama has described DeVos’s budget priorities as “an assault on the American Dream,” warning that they will severely harm marginalized communities. Adding to the controversy, DeVos’s security arrangements, which include protection from U.S. marshals costing taxpayers about $1 million monthly, are highly unusual for a Secretary of Education—none have received such security since 2009.
Equally concerning are her recent appointments within the Office of Civil Rights. Candice Jackson, chosen to lead this division, has a history of opposing affirmative action and has made statements undermining the very mission of this office, which investigates discrimination claims. Jackson has previously dismissed allegations of sexual misconduct against Donald Trump as “fake victims” and has criticized feminism, arguing that women today have equal opportunities as men.
Most alarmingly, DeVos has not committed to enforcing Title IX, particularly regarding sexual assault cases on college campuses. This lack of assurance has drawn strong criticism, including from former Vice President Joe Biden, who emphasized the detrimental impact of lax Title IX enforcement on college women.
Amidst the tumultuous atmosphere of the Trump administration, it’s easy to overlook the significant changes that Betsy DeVos is enacting in our educational landscape. Her vision for schools and universities raises serious concerns, especially for the most vulnerable members of our society.
Summary
Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education, has stirred controversy since her nomination, with her policies reflecting a troubling shift in educational governance. Her initiatives have made student loan repayment more challenging, imposed significant budget cuts that impact low-income students, and raised alarms about civil rights with her choice of leaders within the Office of Civil Rights. Overall, her actions suggest a vision for education that may not prioritize the needs of the most disadvantaged.
Keyphrase: Betsy DeVos education policies
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