Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Visits Raleigh to Promote School Choice
US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, right, visited Raleigh last week to advocate for school choice and public funding to private coffers in North Carolina. Source.
As the country moves closer to the 2020 election, North Carolina’s position as a key battleground state intensifies. The state could prove crucial to President Trump’s re-election prospects or could be decisive for Joe Biden in his bid for the White House. Both Trump and Biden have made appearances in North Carolina, with the President even sending members of his family and cabinet to campaign on his behalf. One of these recent appearances addressed an important issue in North Carolina politics: school choice.
On Monday October 5th, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos spoke in Raleigh at an event sponsored by Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC). The group classifies itself as “a non-profit organization that advocates for quality educational options through parental school choice.” At the round table discussion, DeVos echoed President Trump’s commitment to promoting school choice and voucher programs nationwide. This meeting also came amidst President Trump and many of his staff testing positive for COVID-19.
A spokesperson said that Secretary DeVos met with President Trump the week prior, but had no reason to believe that she was sick. Out of concern raised about this meeting, DeVos was tested on Friday October 2nd; the test came back negative. Unlike the President’s recent rallies, participants at the forum did wear face masks and maintained appropriate social distancing throughout.
Much of the discussion on the panel surrounded a COVID-19 relief bill, passed by NC lawmakers, that expands the eligibility of opportunity scholarships. The bill would provide up to $4,200 per child annually to cover tuition at a private school. Upon passage of the legislation, PEFNC President Mike Long said in a statement, “Once again, North Carolina remains on the forefront of parental school choice by providing real action in educational opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Critics say that NC legislators have fallen short in ensuring that public school children receive their constitutionally protected right to a “sound basic education.”
The issue of school choice has been prominent in North Carolina politics over the last decade. It is a divisive issue among both parents and teachers. The added issues associated with virtual instruction have further intensified the arguments made by parents in support of school choice. Two parents from Cumberland County spoke at the forum about how remote learning has not worked for their children and that they are now considering the option of homeschooling. Public school parents and teachers however, are concerned that a heightened focus on private and charter schools through expanded voucher programs will divert funds from North Carolina’s public schools which are struggling due to budget cuts and the pandemic.
Secretary DeVos’ visit likely did not solve the issue of school choice vs. public school funding in North Carolina, though it did provide a glimpse of how President Trump’s education policy would affect NC public schools. The round table discussion was yet another proxy campaign event for the president in a state that he desperately needs to win in November. After the election, NC schools will still face the challenge of returning to school during the pandemic, and for public school students this could mean returning with less funding.