While it was laughable to see Education Secretary Betsy DeVos mocked on “Saturday Night Live,” or struggle to answer even basic questions about the American educational system during an abysmal interview on “60 Minutes,” the potential for long-term damage to the nation’s education system should be even more concerning. Her ideas, or more likely the marching orders she gets from the Trump administration, put schoolchildren, especially students of color, at risk.
Testifying before Congress this week, DeVos seemed perplexed when asked by California congresswoman Barbara Lee how President Trump’s proposal to arm teachers might impact kids of color, who are disciplined at disproportionate levels compared to white students.
“Should the president’s view prevail, do you see why black and brown students are really worried and anxious about this?” Lee said. “Very clear to me.”
It was less clear to DeVos, who is leading Trump’s federal school safety commission. This much, however, is clear: DeVos will probably repeal President Obama’s “Rethinking School Discipline” policy.