Assemblyman Dinowitz Joins State Legislators Across the Country Opposing the Nomination of Betsy DeVos to be US Secretary of Education

Bronx, N.Y.-State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz(D-Bronx) signed a letter written by the National Labor Caucus of State Legislators opposing the nomination of Betsy DeVos to be US Secretary of Education.

Following the election of the least qualified candidate to ever hold the Presidency, the spirit of the 2016 election has apparently been kept alive with DeVos’ nomination, as she appears to be the least qualified candidate ever to be nominated for US Secretary of Education.

DeVos has had no experience in public education whatsoever, having never attended a public school, never taught in one, nor administered one. Currently, ninety percent of students in America attend public school, and every student would thus be beholden to her policy positions, positions which have consistently been opposed to, and downright subversive of public education.

The letter argues that DeVos “has used her vast wealth to influence state legislation and the outcomes of elections to advance policies that have undermined public education and proved harmful to many of our most vulnerable students; meanwhile, she lacks any direct experience with education, instruction and school system and program administration.” Together, DeVos and her husband have given over 47 million to the campaigns of politicians who’s agenda has been to undermine public education.

Not only does DeVos have a startling lack of experience in public education, and a long track record of opposing progressive labor policy and a support of privatization, but her ignorance was made shockingly apparent during her confirmation hearing. She was clearly baffled by questions pertaining to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as she did not understand the difference between federal and state responsibilities in the provision of education to students with disabilities, or appear to have any basic knowledge about the program.

“Why is it considered unimportant for someone running public education in this country to have no experience in public education? Someone who has never been in public school, with children have never been in public school, and who has actively contributed to politicians, PACS and agendas that oppose public education has no business being in this position,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.