Congresswoman Adams Statement on the Senate Confirmation Hearing for Secretary of Education Nominee Betsy DeVos

Charlotte, N.C.—Today Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement regarding the confirmation hearing of Secretary of Education Nominee Betsy DeVos.

"Betsy DeVos is not qualified to lead the Department of Education," said Congresswoman Adams. "DeVos has no public or higher education experience. She has spent decades fighting to expand for-profit charter schools and tax payer-funded vouchers for private and religious schools.

"Her nomination is an attack on our public schools, our students, and our teachers. During last night's hearing, DeVos showed a shocking lack of understanding of our nation's education system. Further, she refused to rule out reducing funding for public education, refused to fight to keep guns out of schools, and refused to stand up for campus sexual assault victims.

"Chairman Alexander should never have allowed this hearing to take place prior to the Office of Government Ethics completely vetting DeVos.

"Yesterday, I joined 67 of my colleagues in sending a letter to the Senate HELP committee urging them to vote ‘no' on DeVos because our students deserve a Secretary of Education who will stand up for public education, fight for educational equity, and uphold the civil rights of all students. After last night's hearing, it is even clearer that Betsy DeVos is not that person. If you value public education and the safety of our children, I urge you to call your Senator and demand a ‘no' vote."