By: Syann Engelhard –

For Betsy DeVos, being sworn in as Secretary of Education was something very exciting. But for many others, it was looked at as a questionable decision by President Trump, and placed under heavy scrutiny. In a historic tie-breaking 51-50 vote, cast by Vice President Mike Pence, Republican Betsy DeVos was elected into office. In the days following, many protests were held, one being started right here at Southeast. It is evident that this pick for Secretary of Education is raising a lot of concerns, as well as building support. Students across the nation need to pay attention to how this will impact them.

Previously in office was Democrat John King Jr., who won the vote 49-40. With this change, the differences in ideas is substantial. Students and teachers alike can expect change.

Senior Lucy Collins explains some of the drawbacks she finds following DeVos’ election “She has never worked in a school, for a school, and she didn’t even attend public school. Neither have any of her children. She is also a strong advocate for privatizing schools and creating a school voucher program, despite a complete lack of evidence proving that this would provide a better education,” said Collins.

Collins also wants to consider that as Secretary of Ed., DeVos needs to represent all students not just a select few. “She and her family have donated over 6.7 million dollars to an organization called “Focus on the Family”, which openly supports conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ students. This practice has been debunked countless times and is opposed by the American Psychiatric Association, the Human Rights Campaign, and many other medical and civil rights organizations.”

Sophomore Chase Alphin looks forward to some of the things DeVos wants to bring into the education system. “She is trying to return the power of the education system back to the people where it belongs. She wants to give each state the power to solve its own problems on education, the power to form their own laws and regulations on their education. This is the difference between the the ideas of the left and the right; more government control and less government control, respectively.”

Whether you’re in agreement or opposition, changes will be happening in the school systems everywhere. For example, DeVos lobbies for guns in classrooms as well as charter schools.

Charter schools are publicly funded independent schools that are established by anyone under the terms of a charter with a local or national authority. Many argue that DeVos is unfit for the job because she never attended a public school and also feels that public schools do not provide an adequate education for young students.

According to statistics provided by MotherJones, an independent reader-supported nonprofit news organization, the Dick & Betsy DeVos foundation has given $8.6 million to private Christian schools, $5.2 million to charter schools, $750,000 to private Christian camps, and $59,750 to traditional public schools from 1999-2014. Trump’s education proposal is funneling $20 billion to fund for children attending “failing government schools” to move and attend either charter, private, or religious schools.

DeVos also feels that the education system is far too outdated for the given time period. In an interview with Philanthropy Roundtable,  she stated, “I can only imagine how much more boring it is today, when you check all of those new technologies at the door and go sit in rows of desks and listen to somebody talk at you for 30 or 40 minutes. Can you imagine sitting through an indifferent lecture when you know there are programs that make learning fun, resources that make information instantly accessible? I can’t.”

For many, moving away from the idea of standardized testing and into more ‘futuristic’ things is a good idea. Public education has been subject to ridicule following its education guidelines and how they no longer fit with the times. In a nation with people always striving towards the pursuit of happiness, it’s important to remember that people want your input in order to make that happen.

All in all, whether you’re for or against the nomination, Collins says, “Please contact your senators! No matter what side you’re on, it’s important for your voice to be heard.”