I have been trying to find the words to convey how I feel about our new Secretary of Education Betsy Devos but I cannot. These past few weeks have been tough for every minority who have felt that their rights have been stripped away from them. President Trump's executive orders have turned the country into a frenzy and his latest decision on who should run our education system was no exception.
On February 7, the Senate was held to confirm her nomination. The voting session ended on a 50-50 leaving Vice President Mike Pence with the deciding vote. He voted yes making it 51-50 and creating history. It was for the first time in quite some time that a vice president had to be called to pass a nomination. For those who do not know why Betsy Devos is so controversial, watch this video. (Watch the whole thing to catch Bernie Sanders):
And this one:
Betsy Devos has no experience in the public education system and worst of all she is not qualified for the job. She believes in guns at school and school vouchers. She does not know the importance of having an education, of needing to move forward because your parents did not have much. I have gone to public school my whole life and I have met inspiring teachers who have wanted the best for every student. Going to public school makes you no less than anyone else. Yes, public school kids do not get the fancy lunch meals, the name recognition, or the extravagant school trips. But what matters the most is the education itself, the rest does not matter.
Will Betsy Devos focus on the education system in low-income communities where the dropout rates are high or will she focus her time on private-school students? Our education system is delicate and needs someone capable of turning it around. It needs someone with the experience and the knowledge to help every child. No one should be ashamed of getting a public education because not many have the opportunity too. We often forget how lucky we are to live in a country where no matter your gender or income, you can get an education.
I am a product of public education and damn proud. Are you?
