Betsy DeVos, the controversial Education Secretary under the Trump administration, will likely be remembered for the profound impact she had on the American education system during her tenure. DeVos, a staunch advocate for school choice and charter schools, was a polarizing figure who faced scrutiny and criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

One of DeVos’ most contentious policies was her push for school choice, which promotes alternatives to traditional public schools such as charter schools, private schools, and vouchers for parents to send their children to private schools. Proponents argue that school choice provides parents with more options and promotes competition among schools, leading to improved quality of education. Critics, however, argue that school choice undermines public education by siphoning resources away from public schools and creating a system that further segregates students by race and socioeconomic status.

DeVos also came under fire for her efforts to roll back regulations on for-profit colleges and student loan servicers. Under her leadership, the Department of Education scaled back regulations that aimed to protect students from predatory practices and fraudulent institutions. Critics argued that DeVos’ actions put students at risk of being exploited by unscrupulous companies seeking to make a profit off of their education.

Additionally, DeVos faced backlash for her handling of issues surrounding sexual assault on college campuses. She rescinded Obama-era guidance that aimed to hold schools accountable for handling allegations of sexual assault, arguing that the guidelines were unfair to accused students. Critics accused DeVos of prioritizing the rights of the accused over the rights of survivors of sexual assault, further highlighting her lack of empathy and understanding of the complex issues facing students in today’s society.

Despite the controversy surrounding her tenure, DeVos did make some significant changes to the education system. She implemented policies to promote career and technical education, expand access to computer science courses, and increase funding for charter schools. While her legacy may be seen as divisive and contentious, it is clear that she had a lasting impact on the American education system.

In conclusion, Betsy DeVos leaves behind a legacy that is likely to be debated for years to come. Her staunch advocacy for school choice and deregulation of the education sector earned her both admirers and detractors. Whether her policies ultimately improved or detracted from the quality of education in America remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – DeVos’ controversial legacy will not be easily forgotten.