As the dust settles from the 2016 election, one of the most concerning appointments for Californians and millions of Americans was that of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. Her controversial stances on education—particularly her advocacy for charter schools, school vouchers, and a general disdain for public education—pose significant risks to the future of our students and public education system. California, with its diverse student body and a history of prioritizing public education, must remain steadfast in its resistance to policies that threaten our schools and the values we hold dear.
DeVos’s tenure has been marked by her pursuit of policies that prioritize privatization over investment in the public education system. Her advocacy for school vouchers—essentially using public funds to send students to private or religious schools—undermines the very foundation of public education. This push for privatization is especially dangerous in a state like California, where public schools serve over six million students, many of whom come from historically marginalized communities.
As Californians, there are several ways we can resist and defend our public education system from the damage that DeVos and her policies may inflict:
1. Advocate for Increased Funding for Public Schools
One of the most direct ways we can defend public education is by advocating for increased state and local funding for public schools. While the federal government under DeVos may be pushing for privatization, California has the power to ensure that our schools are adequately funded. This means fighting for policies that invest in our schools, teachers, and students—especially in underserved communities. We can support local school bond measures, push for higher teacher salaries, and call for a fairer distribution of resources to close the achievement gap.
2. Support Teachers and Educators
Teachers are the backbone of the public education system, and they are often on the frontlines of resistance against policies that threaten public schools. Supporting educators means not only advocating for better pay and working conditions but also standing with them when they strike or take a stand against harmful policies. We can join and support teachers’ unions, attend school board meetings, and participate in rallies and protests advocating for the protection and expansion of public education.
3. Engage in Grassroots Activism
Change at the federal level may seem daunting, but history has shown us that grassroots activism can make a significant impact. Californians have a long history of standing up for what’s right—from the civil rights movement to more recent protests against unjust policies. We must continue this tradition by organizing local protests, contacting our elected representatives, and participating in movements that fight for educational equity. Engaging in these efforts strengthens our collective voice and amplifies the message that public education is a right, not a privilege.
4. Vote with Education in Mind
The power of voting cannot be underestimated. In California, voters have a direct influence on the direction of education policy. Whether it’s through local school board elections or state-level policy decisions, casting your vote for candidates who support public education is crucial. These elected officials will have a direct impact on how public funds are allocated to schools and how they will push back against federal education policies. Let’s use our votes to elect leaders who will prioritize the needs of public school students, not the interests of private corporations.
5. Educate and Mobilize Others
A key part of defending public education is ensuring that others are aware of the threats posed by DeVos and her policies. Educating others on the importance of public schools and the dangers of privatization can help build a coalition of advocates who are ready to fight back. Host community forums, write letters to the editor, share information on social media, and engage in conversations with your friends, family, and neighbors. The more people who understand the stakes, the more powerful our collective resistance becomes.
6. Challenge DeVos’s Policies in Court
California has a strong legal tradition of challenging unconstitutional and harmful policies. If the federal government moves forward with policies that harm public education, it’s essential that California takes legal action when necessary. California has the resources and legal expertise to challenge policies like the expansion of charter schools and school vouchers. By taking a stand in court, we can defend the rights of students to receive a quality, free education.
Conclusion
While Betsy DeVos may have the ear of the Trump administration, California has the collective power to stand against policies that threaten our public schools. We must remain vigilant in our defense of public education, advocating for policies that support all students and ensuring that the education system is a force for equity, opportunity, and inclusion. As Californians, we have a responsibility to resist efforts that undermine public education, and we must act now to protect our schools, our teachers, and, most importantly, our students.
It is our future at stake, and together, we can defend it.
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