In his opening statement in support of education secretary nominee Betsy DeVos, Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said critics of DeVos are outside the mainstream on public opinion.
“I believe Mrs. DeVos is in the mainstream of public opinion on the best way to help children succeed, and her critics are outside of it,” Alexander said.
Alexander said criticism of DeVos focused on three things: That she supports public charter schools, that she supports K-12 school choice for low-income students, and that she’s used her wealth to effectively advance those beliefs.
On charter schools, Alexander reeled off a long list of supporters, including the former head of a national teachers union, President Clinton, Hillary Clinton, President George W. Bush and President Obama.
On school choice, Alexander cited other ways the federal government supports school choice. “Critics are arguing against the most successful social policy ever produced: the GI Bill which allowed money to follow veterans to the college of their choice,” Alexander said. He also cited more than $100 billion spent on Pell grants and higher education student loans. “Why is such a great idea for college students such a bad idea for K-12 students?”
“It’s pretty obvious,” Alexander said,”that Betsy DeVos is in the mainstream and is on the side of our children.”
Jason Russell is the contributors editor for the Washington Examiner.
