In a recent Senate hearing, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos refrained from assuring that private schools receiving federal funds will not discriminate against LGBTQ students. During a session with the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, DeVos stated that the Department of Education would not allocate funds to private institutions that violate federal anti-discrimination laws. However, the absence of definitive laws safeguarding LGBTQ students leaves her response vague, akin to a mere shrug.
DeVos’ proposed budget seeks to slash billions in public school funding, redirecting those resources toward school choice initiatives that would facilitate student enrollment in private and religious schools. At the hearing, she emphasized that the Department of Education would not issue any guidance on discrimination beyond what is explicitly stated in federal law. This stance implies that schools that deny admission based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or even religious beliefs could potentially receive federal funding under DeVos’ budget proposal.
When pressed by Senator Tom Blake (D-NY) about the implications of her policy, DeVos asserted, “Schools that receive federal funds will adhere to federal law, period.” Yet, when further interrogated, her responses remained consistent, albeit frustratingly evasive. “Any institution accepting federal funds must follow federal laws, without exception,” she reiterated.
This is not the first occasion that DeVos has sidestepped questions regarding the treatment of LGBTQ students in funded schools. In a prior hearing, she faced inquiries from Representative Sarah Collins (D-CA) regarding potential repercussions for schools that choose to discriminate against LGBTQ students. DeVos maintained that such matters should be left to individual states, asserting, “Parents are best positioned to make decisions regarding their children’s education.”
Critics argue that this decentralized approach creates a disjointed framework where LGBTQ families may have to relocate to ensure their children receive a fair education. DeVos’ perspective aligns with her belief in the privatization of education, which many view as a departure from the American commitment to universal educational access.
Civil rights organizations and LGBTQ advocacy groups have voiced their discontent with DeVos’ proposed budget and policies. Rachel Turner, executive director of the Alliance for Equality, stated, “DeVos’ refusal to support protections for LGBTQ students is alarming, especially given the legal precedents already established.”
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In summary, Betsy DeVos’ lack of commitment to protecting LGBTQ students in private schools raises significant concerns. As the debate over educational funding and rights continues, the implications of her policies could create disparities that impact countless families across the country.