Read the PDF of our statement here.
Statement of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
If there was any doubt about Betsy DeVos’ preparedness or suitability to lead the Department of Education, her inability to answer questions about or engage with even the fundamentals of education law and policy more than demonstrated that she is woefully unqualified to serve as Secretary of Education. For example, when asked by Senator Kaine if all K-12 schools that receive federal funding should be required to report the same information regarding instances of bullying, discipline, or harassment, Ms. DeVos replied, “I look forward to reviewing that provision.” This type of reporting is required by federal law – the Department of Education Organization Act. Ms. DeVos’ performance underscores our recommendation to senators to vote no on her confirmation as Education Secretary.
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Founded in 1940, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization and has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund or LDF.
