Betsy DeVos served as U.S. Secretary of Education from 2017 to 2021, bringing national attention to school choice and charter school expansion. Her tenure focused on increasing options for families through private school vouchers and tuition tax credits.
DeVos operated within the federal executive branch, using policy guidance and discretionary funding to advance her priorities. Her leadership style often sparked intense debate over the role of the Department of Education.
| Name | Term | Presidential Nominee | Key Policy Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betsy DeVos | 2017–2021 | Donald Trump | School choice, charter growth, Title IX reform |
| Rod Paige | 2001–2005 | George W. Bush | No Child Left Behind implementation |
| John King Jr. | 2016–2017 | Barack Obama | Equity, opportunity, college affordability |
| Miguel Cardona | 2021–present | Joe Biden | COVID recovery, mental health, educator pay |
School Choice Advocacy During DeVos Tenure
DeVos consistently promoted school choice as a core education strategy. She highlighted scholarship programs and education savings accounts that direct public funds toward private school tuition.
Supporters argued that competition would drive innovation and outcomes for underserved communities. Critics warned that diverting funds could strain district resources and undermine public school stability.
Civil Rights and Campus Safety Policies
Title IX Reforms
DeVos rolled back Obama-era guidance on campus sexual misconduct, narrowing the definition of protected classes and due process requirements. Institutions gained more flexibility in designing grievance procedures under new rules.
Discipline and Equity Concerns
Data releases during her tenure revealed persistent disparities in discipline and access to advanced coursework. Advocacy groups called for stronger federal oversight to protect students from discriminatory practices.
University Accreditation and Gainful Employment
The Department of Education under DeVos made changes to accreditor reviews and for-profit college oversight. The repeal of the Gainful Employment rule reduced federal consequences for programs that failed to meet job placement benchmarks.
These moves were framed as reducing regulatory burden, yet observers noted potential impacts on borrower protections and institutional accountability.
Charter School Expansion and Federal Grants
New competitive grant programs funded charter school growth and facilities projects. Priority scoring emphasized replicable models and community support from local education agencies.
States reported increased charter enrollment in several regions, while school district leaders raised concerns about enrollment fluctuations and shared transportation costs.
Policy Legacy and Long-Term Influence
The DeVos era reshaped debates over federal authority in education, highlighting tensions between choice, equity, and institutional accountability.
- Advocated market-based solutions such as vouchers and education tax credits
- Implemented new regulatory frameworks for Title IX and accreditation
- Shifted emphasis toward charter school growth and innovation pilots
- Highlighted persistent gaps in discipline and opportunity across student subgroups
FAQ
Reader questions
How did Betsy DeVos define school choice during her term?
She framed school choice as empowering families to use public funds for private school options, including vouchers, tax credits, and charter schools.
What happened to Title IX guidance under DeVos?
The administration replaced prior guidance with stricter rules that limited the scope of protected categories and institutional responsibilities in handling sexual misconduct cases.
What impact did DeVos policies have on for-profit colleges?
Rollbacks of the Gainful Employment rule reduced the risk of funding cuts for programs with poor job placement outcomes, easing regulatory pressure on certain institutions.
How did DeVos approach federal oversight of civil rights in schools?
Her Department emphasized state and local control, scaling back investigations and guidance on discipline disparities and access to advanced coursework.