Betsy Devos Summary

The article published by the New York Times, The Trump War on Public Schools, describes the potential dangers of the appointment of Betsy DeVos to the position of secretary of education. According to the author, DeVos is responsible for the expansion of charter schools within Michigan. Charter schools within the state cost approximately $1.1 billion dollars a year and have been accused of “wasteful spending and double dipping” by the Detroit Free Press. The committee responsible for questioning DeVos determined that she was woefully ignorant of the problems plaguing public schools. Several problems presented by the author include the fact that DeVos in extremely unqualified for the position as well as her strong support for for-profit schools.
When asked whether or not schools which receive federal funding should be held equally accountable, DeVos stated that she “supported accountability” but ultimately said “no”. The appointment of Betsy DeVos to the position of secretary of education presents a threat to public schools and middle class families across the country. The rise of for-profit schools could put considerable economic strain on working and middle class families and could ultimately lead to a divide in quality education between those who can afford to send their children to for-profit schools and those who cannot. The lack of quality education for less wealthy students would potentially result in lower paying careers which would in turn prevent them from sending their children to higher quality, for-profit