Betsy DeVos wants Better School Options for Poorer Families

Leaders of the gay community met with Betsy DeVos, who warned them of President Trump’s plan to rescind a federal bill concerning transgender students. Under the policy, transgender students could choose what bathroom they preferred. Betsy appeared to oppose Trump’s decision and attended the meeting a few hours later.

 

The President cited Ms. DeVos’ school choice advocacy as a primary reason for nominating her as secretary of education. She was narrowly confirmed by the Senate and started with no history with President Trump. She also lacked government experience.

 

Attorney General Jeff Sessions had an advantage over Betsy, with decades of Washington experience. She later attended the announcement to confirm the federal policy had been rescinded, yet gave no indication of a rift or defeat. Ms. DeVos claimed it was an overreach by Obama.

 

Betsy married Dick DeVos, and each brought a vast fortune they inherited. Betsy’s father started the Prince Organization that he built into a multi-billion dollar business. Betsy worked with him in the machine parts company during her youth. Dick was the CEO of his father’s company, Amway. The DeVos wealth enabled their lobbying career.

 

Ms. DeVos was the chairperson for the Michigan Republican Party and for the American Federation for Children. Her efforts led Detroit to have the highest concentration nationally of charter schools. Ms. DeVos has spent much of her time moving funds from the public school system to charter and private schools.

 

The DeVos are accused of being distant from the public institutions, since both she and Dick were privately educated. She provided excellent education for her children. Betsy’s position is that a zip code should not dictate the school and wants poorer families to receive the opportunity she gave to her own.

 

Betsy DeVos causes fear in her opposers and for more reasons than her wealthy status. Her efforts have unseated opposing lawmakers. Former Michigan attorney general, Mike Cox, says she is determined, usually getting her way.

 

Ms. DeVos implemented a school voucher program that was originally voted down in Michigan. The program became a success in the district of Columbia and seventeen other states. Indiana and Louisiana can potentially teach a million students inside the voucher program. Parents testify to its success through their overwhelming satisfaction.

 

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