Betsy DeVos, the U.S. Secretary of Education, has declined to assure that LGBTQ students at private schools funded by federal dollars will be shielded from discrimination. During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, DeVos stated that while the Department of Education wouldn’t allocate funds to institutions that violate federal anti-discrimination laws, the absence of explicit laws protecting LGBTQ students presents a significant loophole. Her vague response to inquiries about funding discriminatory schools amounted to a non-committal shrug.
Redirecting Funds and School Choice Initiatives
DeVos’ budget proposal aims to redirect billions from public school funding towards school choice initiatives, which would facilitate attendance at private and religious institutions. She clarified that her department would not provide guidance on discrimination issues beyond existing federal law, implying that private schools could still receive federal support even if they deny admission based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. “On areas where the law is unsettled, this department is not going to be issuing decrees. That is a matter for Congress and the courts to settle,” she remarked when pressed by Senator Jamie Brooks (D-CA).
Confrontation with Senator Brooks
Brooks retorted, “So you’re saying discrimination will persist under your program where the law is unclear?” DeVos simply responded, “Schools that receive federal funds will follow federal law, period.” When faced with further scrutiny regarding the implications of her stance, she reiterated her position: “Any school that accepts federal funds will adhere to federal laws, period, without discrimination.”
Previous Encounters on LGBTQ Issues
This isn’t DeVos’ first round in the ring on this topic. In a previous appearance before the House Appropriations Committee, she sidestepped a direct question about repercussions for schools that might reject LGBTQ students, deeming it a matter better handled by individual states. “We believe parents are best equipped to make decisions regarding their children’s education,” she maintained, asserting that local authorities should navigate these issues.
Concerns Over Fragmentation in Education
This approach is problematic; allowing states to set their own rules on whether publicly funded schools can refuse LGBTQ students could lead to a fragmented system. Families might find themselves needing to relocate for their children to receive a fair education. This perspective aligns with DeVos’ broader belief in privatizing education, which raises concerns for those who uphold the principle that every child deserves equal access to education.
Backlash from Civil Rights Organizations
DeVos’ budget proposal has faced backlash from civil rights organizations and advocates for LGBTQ rights. For instance, Alex Thompson, director of the Equality Rights Coalition, criticized DeVos’ rollback of vital guidance supporting transgender students. “Letting private schools discriminate while using federal funds is unacceptable,” he stated.
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Conclusion
In summary, Betsy DeVos remains non-committal on ensuring protections for LGBTQ students in federally funded private schools, pointing to a lack of clear laws. Her stance has raised concerns among advocates and civil rights groups, who argue that allowing states to dictate their own rules could lead to further discrimination.
Keyphrase: Betsy DeVos LGBTQ students discrimination
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