As we usher in the new administration, we anticipate positive changes, such as a solid strategy to combat the COVID-19 crisis, the historic appointment of a Black, South Asian, and female Vice President, and a leader who has consistently championed labor rights. However, we are also relieved to bid farewell to Betsy DeVos, widely regarded as one of the least effective Secretaries of Education in U.S. history. The educational community is ready for a fresh start.
From the outset, DeVos’s record was disappointing. With no experience in public education as a teacher, administrator, or staff member, she consistently undermined public schools while promoting privatization initiatives with significant financial backing from her family. Her support of school vouchers and involvement in Detroit’s charter school system has been criticized for prioritizing deregulation at the expense of public education.
DeVos’s tenure was marked by a series of troubling actions, including the rollback of protections for transgender students. Under the Obama Administration, federal guidelines allowed these students to use bathrooms that aligned with their gender identity. DeVos not only reversed these protections but also threatened federal funding for schools that supported inclusive policies. Her actions extended to challenging the definition of female athletes, creating controversy over the treatment of transgender athletes.
Additionally, DeVos attempted to weaken protections for students with disabilities. She seemed unaware of the federal laws governing special education, advocating instead for state control. This stance allowed some states to exploit special education vouchers, jeopardizing the rights of children with disabilities.
Moreover, DeVos’s administration frequently dismissed civil rights complaints, particularly those that highlighted systemic issues within school systems. Investigations into disparities in treatment—like the disproportionate punishment of Black students—were often closed without thorough examination.
In her attempts to reshape school discipline, DeVos rolled back policies intended to reduce racial disparities, relying on studies that perpetuated harmful stereotypes about minority students. She also favored for-profit colleges, eliminating regulations that ensured accountability and allowing institutions to profit without demonstrating successful outcomes for their students.
As the Biden-Harris administration takes the reins, we envision a comprehensive overhaul of the Department of Education that DeVos nearly dismantled. We need a commitment to safeguarding the rights and needs of all students, particularly those who face systemic barriers, such as students of color and those from marginalized communities. The restoration of restorative justice practices in schools is essential to addressing racial disparities in discipline and creating a supportive environment for learning.
We must also eradicate corporal punishment from our schools; no child should face physical punishment in any educational setting. Furthermore, protecting the rights of disabled students requires increased resources and support for educators to ensure all students receive a fair and effective education.
Regarding for-profit colleges, it is vital to address the student loan crisis. Loan forgiveness and accountability for underperforming programs are necessary steps to alleviate the burdens on countless graduates.
This is no small task, but we have faith in the new leadership and their commitment to education. We expect them to honor their promises and make significant strides toward a more equitable educational landscape.
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In summary, the new Secretary of Education must prioritize the rights of all students, eliminate harmful disciplinary practices, and provide necessary support for marginalized groups. The transition from DeVos opens the door for a more inclusive and effective educational environment.
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