Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has thrown her full support behind President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education, declaring it a pivotal moment for American education. In a recent interview, DeVos passionately argued that McMahon is the ideal candidate to spearhead a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s education system, a system she believes has been fundamentally broken for far too long.
DeVos contends that American students and parents deserve significantly better than the status quo, citing a long history of shortcomings dating back to the Department of Education’s creation in 1979. She argues that the department has become overly bureaucratic and entrenched, hindering educational progress and often prioritizing political agendas over the needs of students. The current state of affairs, she highlights, is evidenced by alarming statistics: 70% of fourth graders struggling to read at grade level, plummeting math scores exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns, and an environment where teachers face physical assault yet are constrained from effective discipline measures.
Furthermore, DeVos points to the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness programs, which she criticizes for disproportionately benefiting high-income earners while burdening taxpayers. She also condemns the erosion of Title IX protections, citing the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports and the practice of gender transitioning without parental consent as examples of policies undermining fair competition and parental rights.
DeVos’s vision for educational reform under a Trump-McMahon administration centers around four key pillars:
1. Empowering Parents Through Education Freedom:
DeVos advocates for the passage of the Educational Choice for Children Act, which would directly provide education funding to parents, allowing them to choose the learning environment best suited for their children. This, she argues, would create a competitive education marketplace, driving schools to prioritize student needs and improve outcomes. This approach, proven effective in numerous states, fosters accountability and ensures parents have a direct voice in their children’s education.2. Block Granting Federal Funds and Restoring Local Control:
DeVos proposes a shift from the current federal education funding model to a block grant system, transferring decision-making power to states. This move, she believes, would eliminate federal bureaucracy’s meddling and prevent the diversion of funds toward politically motivated initiatives like DEI programs. The funds would be granted without strings attached, giving states the autonomy to develop innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs and circumstances, addressing the needs of all students including those from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities.3. Restoring Title IX’s Original Intent:
DeVos emphasizes the urgent need to restore Title IX to its original purpose—ensuring equal opportunities for women and prohibiting discrimination. She decries its distortion into a tool for social engineering, citing the erosion of due process rights on college campuses and the redefinition of “sex” to include “gender identity.” Reinstating traditional Title IX protections is crucial, she says, to safeguarding women’s sports and rights.4. Transforming Student Lending and Diversifying Post-Secondary Options:
DeVos criticizes the broken federal student loan system, pointing to the failed launch of the simplified FAFSA form as evidence of its dysfunction. She proposes a comprehensive overhaul, including improved governance and the reintroduction of private lending options. She also stresses the importance of promoting alternative pathways to success beyond four-year college degrees, including apprenticeships, vocational training, and other hands-on programs. This approach would reduce the burden of student debt and provide students with diverse career options.DeVos concludes that this is a critical juncture for American education, where bold action is required to transform a broken system and ensure that every child has access to a world-class education. The appointment of Linda McMahon, she believes, signals a significant step towards achieving this ambitious goal, a goal that places parents and students’ needs at the forefront.
