Scroll Top

SENATOR RUIZ URGES U.S. SENATE TO REJECT TRUMP’S EDUCATION SECRETARY NOMINEE

Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) testifies in support of legislation that provides in-state tuition to undocumented young adults.

TRENTON – New Jersey Senate Education Chair M. Teresa Ruiz issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is expected to vote on the nomination Tuesday:

 “I urge members of the U.S. Senate to reject the nomination of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education.

 “Ms. DeVos’ confirmation hearing demonstrated a frightening lack of understanding on long-standing education laws and basic academic principles.

 “From her confusion regarding the difference between student growth and proficiency, and her refusal to state that she would not seek to privatize public education, to her unfamiliarity with federal law that provides fundamental protections to students with disabilities, among other concerning responses to the committee, including that there’s a need for guns in schools to protect against ‘grizzlies,’ Ms. DeVos made clear that she is the wrong person for the job.

 “We need leadership in Washington. Any candidate for this position should believe in strengthening public education and upholding the policies that are designed to protect students, and this nominee’s testimony revealed she does not. She’s unprepared and unqualified to lead the federal Department of Education. The Senate committee should vote no on her nomination.”