The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: In the Trenches for School Choice ft. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos
Release Date: September 24, 2020

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson engages in an in-depth discussion with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Senator Ted Cruz. The conversation centers around the landmark Senate vote on school choice legislation, the ongoing challenges within the American education system, and the broader implications for the nation's future.

Senate Vote on School Choice Legislation

The episode opens with a reflection on the recent Senate vote on what is described as "the most significant school choice legislation in our nation's history." Senator Ted Cruz emphasizes his role alongside Betsy DeVos in authoring this pivotal legislation, highlighting its unprecedented scope and impact.

[00:00] Ted Cruz: "One week ago, the Senate voted on the most significant school choice legislation in our nation's history."

Defining School Choice and Its Importance

Betsy DeVos elaborates on the concept of school choice, using the metaphor of a backpack to illustrate how financial resources should follow the student rather than being tied to a specific school institution. This approach, she argues, empowers families to select the educational environment that best suits their children's needs, whether that be traditional schools, charter schools, homeschooling, or virtual learning platforms.

[03:07] Betsy DeVos: "All families should have those resources following their child or their children to the right environment for them."

Opposition to School Choice

The conversation addresses the resistance from various groups, including the Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who has expressed opposition to school choice and charter schools. Betsy DeVos points out Biden's previous support for school choice during his Senate career, suggesting a shift driven by teachers' unions and special interests.

[04:20] Betsy DeVos: "It's really unfortunate that former Vice President Biden forgets the fact that in 1997, he gave an impassioned speech in favor of school choice."

Impact of COVID-19 on Education

Michael Knowles underscores the exacerbation of educational challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that many students are missing out on essential education. This crisis, according to Knowles, has highlighted the urgent need for adaptable educational solutions that school choice can provide.

[03:59] Michael Knowles: "What happens as a practical matter right now is I think with an awful lot of kids, they're not getting an education."

Personal Stories and Successes

Betsy DeVos shares poignant stories of students like Denisha Meriwether, whose lives were transformed through school choice scholarships. Denisha's journey from struggling in third grade to earning a master's degree exemplifies the profound impact of providing educational opportunities tailored to individual needs.

[09:46] Betsy DeVos: "Within 10 days of being in that school, she said her life was on an entirely different trajectory."

Title IX and Due Process in Education

Shifting focus, the episode delves into the complexities of Title IX and the Department of Education's stance on due process for students involved in campus misconduct cases. Betsy DeVos critiques the Obama administration's "Dear Colleague" letter for overreaching and compromising due process rights, emphasizing the need for fair and balanced procedures.

[12:16] Betsy DeVos: "We went through the formal process, the formal rulemaking process to put clarity to this and to restore balance and fairness."

Michael Knowles challenges misconceptions portrayed in the media regarding these reforms, clarifying that the new rules aim to empower survivors while ensuring accused individuals receive due process.

[15:03] Betsy DeVos: "It ensures that schools... have to immediately provide supportive measures... putting that individual in charge of what happens."

Legislative Battle for School Choice Provisions

Senator Ted Cruz recounts the strategic efforts to secure bipartisan support for the school choice provisions within the Senate's emergency relief package. His collaboration with Betsy DeVos and Senator Mike Lee was crucial in rallying 52 out of 53 Republicans to support the $5 billion annual federal tax credit initiative, designed to fund scholarships for K-12 education.

[21:57] Ted Cruz: "We made very clear if you want our votes, include the bill."

This legislative victory is hailed as a significant step toward expanding educational opportunities and addressing the immediate needs exacerbated by the pandemic.

Future Outlook and Reopening Schools Amid COVID-19

In the concluding segment, Betsy DeVos addresses concerns about school reopenings amidst the pandemic. She advocates for parental choice and emphasizes the necessity of in-person education for students who benefit most from it, criticizing districts that strip these options away.

[23:44] Betsy DeVos: "The ones who are being hurt the most are the ones who need to be there in person the most. And so we will continue to beat that drum."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments of the substantial progress made in advancing school choice legislation and a call to action for parents to advocate for their children's educational needs. Betsy DeVos and Senator Ted Cruz commend each other's efforts in overcoming legislative obstacles, underscoring a united front in promoting equitable education for all students.

[24:49] Michael Knowles: "We got every single Republican united and voting in favor of the most far reaching school choice provision ever."

Key Takeaways:

• School Choice Legislation: A landmark Senate vote advances school choice, empowering families to select the best educational environments for their children.

• Opposition and Support: Despite opposition from certain political figures and teachers' unions, bipartisan efforts secured overwhelming Republican support for the legislation.

• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic highlighted critical gaps in the education system, reinforcing the necessity for adaptable and individualized educational solutions.

• Title IX Reforms: The Department of Education has reformed Title IX procedures to ensure fairness and due process for all parties involved in campus misconduct cases.

• Future of Education: Ongoing advocacy is essential to ensure school reopenings and educational reforms meet the diverse needs of students across the nation.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Cruz [00:00]: "One week ago, the Senate voted on the most significant school choice legislation in our nation's history."

• Betsy DeVos [03:07]: "All families should have those resources following their child or their children to the right environment for them."

• Michael Knowles [03:59]: "What happens as a practical matter right now is I think with an awful lot of kids, they're not getting an education."

• Betsy DeVos [09:46]: "Within 10 days of being in that school, she said her life was on an entirely different trajectory."

• Ted Cruz [21:57]: "We made very clear if you want our votes, include the bill."

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a thorough exploration of the pressing issues surrounding school choice, the legislative efforts to support it, and the broader implications for education in America. Through personal anecdotes, legislative insights, and candid discussions, Ben Ferguson, Betsy DeVos, and Ted Cruz shed light on the pivotal changes shaping the future of education.