Betsy Devos Refuses To Answer Kaine's Questions On Her Level Of Support For Public Education, Equal Accountability Standards & Trump's Financial Conflicts Of Interest

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, participated in a hearing on the nomination of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education. Kaine questioned DeVos on her level of support for the American public education system and its workforce, following her past remarks that public school is a "dead end" and "government really sucks." Kaine -- a former governor and strong supporter of public education whose three children attended Richmond public schools -- raised concerns over the negative impact these comments could have on the morale of public school teachers. DeVos has never attended, taught at, or sent her children to public schools.

"The nation deserves a Secretary of Education who will be a champion for kids, parents, state and local control and outcomes. I also think the nation deserves a Secretary who is a champion for public education," said Kaine. "I worry about the effect of a leader who thinks "government sucks' on the morale of the workforce. Teachers and others do better when their morale is high."

Kaine also asked DeVos whether she supports equal accountability standards and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for all schools that receive taxpayer dollars. DeVos would not give a definitive answer on whether all schools that receive federal funding should be held to the same accountability standards, be required to meet the conditions of the IDEA, and be required to report the same information regarding instances of harassment, discipline or bullying.

"Are you saying that some states might be good to kids with disabilities, and some states might not be so good, and then people can just move around the country if they don't like the way their kids are being treated?" Kaine said. "Let me state this, I think all schools that receive federal funding -- public, public charter or private -- should be required to meet the conditions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act…it's a federal law."

During the hearing, Kaine also raised questions over President-elect Donald Trump's lack of financial disclosures.

"How much information do you have about the finances of the President-elect, his family or Trump-related organizations?" Kaine asked DeVos, who answered saying she had no information. Kaine continued with, "I think it is relevant in assessing the wisdom of an education policy proposal to know how the proposal may affect the president's personal finances."

Source