Secretary of Education

President Donald Trump chose Michigan businesswoman, Betsy DeVos, to lead the Department of Education. DeVos has many plans, and some of them have raised concern from the public. One such critique is regarding her lack of experience in public education. DeVos comes from a wealthy, conservative family. Many feel that while she has spent millions of dollars to lobby for only Michigan schools, she lacks experience in managing a school system, let alone every school system in America.

In a letter senator Elizabeth Warren wrote, she said, “I am troubled by your seemingly nonexistent record on higher education.” DeVos has never worked nor attended any public schools, and that’s highly unusual for someone that will be in control of all public schools in the country. The only record she has is funding for Michigan schools, and many would agree that she changed their schools for the worse. Many are worried that she simply does not want the best for all students in education. “We believe that all children have a right to a quality public education, and we fear that Betsy DeVos’ relentless advocacy of charter schools and vouchers betrays these principles,” said Valerie Strauss.

Pro-charter DeVos believes that families should have the choice on which schools to send their children. This is going to be one of DeVos’ main focuses; to drive “School Choice.” This is the drive that pushes families to move away from “failing government schools,” as Trump said, and transition to private, charter, or religious schools.  Many people are worried that doing this will exclude and hurt public schools that may already be struggling. Another concern is that she will push religious schools onto families and students without choice if public schools are ultimately eliminated. DeVos said that she wants to “build God’s kingdom” referring to private and charter schools.  However, the people in favor believe that doing this will lead to better choices in schools for families. As DeVos said Tuesday during a hearing, “I have been working hard to be a voice for students and to empower parents to make decisions on behalf of their children, primarily low-income children.”

Some people have also been bewildered by the disagreements that she has admitted to having with President Donald Trump. For example, on Tuesday, DeVos revealed that she did not stand with Trump’s transition team. She has also been associated with pro Common Core group for many years in the past. This would not appear to be an issue if Trump had not continuously pledged to throw out Common Core. However, she made it clear that these factors would not hinder her in accomplishing what she planned to do. “Where conflicts are identified, they will be resolved,” DeVos said, “I will not be conflicted. Period. I commit that to you all.”