Special Needs Families React to Betsy DeVos Being Confirmed Education Secretary

On Tuesday, the Senate voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of the Department of Education. DeVos had a contentious nomination process with many parents, educators and democratic lawmakers opposing her based on her lack of education credentials and limited understanding of federal protections for students with disabilities.

Tuesday’s final Senate vote was tied 50-50, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a tie-breaking vote in favor of DeVos. As news of DeVos’ confirmation spread, parents of children with disabilities, students, educators and families took to social media to share their thoughts.

Here’s what they have to say:

As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I am horrified by @BetsyDeVos confirmation and what it means for my child.

— Carole Tedesco (@CeeLoTee) February 7, 2017

My nephews are on the Autism spectrum.Finding schools that work w/them and provide services is https://t.co/Y34LU42uuc we have Betsy DeVos ????

— ChristianaMarie (@Christianax_x) February 7, 2017

I am the parent of a child with autism. He’s high functioning and doesn’t need an IEP anymore. My heart breaks for all that do. #BetsyDeVos

— ????Rob™ (@robin_says_rawr) February 7, 2017

Having siblings with severe special needs, my family is directly hurt by @BetsyDeVos nomination. Congrats you unqualified selfish liar

— Davey Nelson (@_daveynelson) February 7, 2017

@BetsyDeVos Congratulations! Question: I have 3 children w/ special needs – how will you protect IDEA for mine & millions more students?

— Incognita (@IncognitaFun) February 7, 2017

@BetsyDeVos @usedgov Don’t take from special needs children. I encourage you to find a school with Special Day Class, and shadow a teacher.

— JYKWong (@Teacher_JYKWong) February 7, 2017

@BetsyDeVos I will hold you personally responsible if one program for my special needs child is cut. We are watching you. #payforplay #shame

— Ken Smoller (@ksmoller) February 7, 2017

@BetsyDeVos @usedgov please help Special Needs with Autism we need support in school and homeschools most importantly. Thanks for helping!????

— Maryanne Bufford (@NCLighthouse105) February 7, 2017

@BetsyDeVos You’re singlehandedly ruining education for my daughter. She deserves to have an education. She has autism. But you don’t care. pic.twitter.com/MAEnRLFmpF

— Scott Reagan (@theupgrade4l) February 7, 2017

Concerned about confirmation of @BetsyDeVos Supports my son receives @ public school today can mean college or group home in future #autism

— Lisa Salerno Artist (@LisaKSalerno) February 7, 2017

Really excited to see how Betsy DeVos will work tirelessly to destroy how my child with special needs can get an education

— Jacob Harris (@harrisj) February 7, 2017

And @SenToomey I’m livid for those with disabilities like Autism like my cousin who might lose required mandates for education. #BetsyDeVos

— Emily Cooper (@emmcooper42) February 7, 2017

@POTUS as an autism Mom, it was a horror that you mocked a disabled man, @BetsyDeVos will be FAR worse for millions of kids w/special needs

— (((Jennifer Tidd))) (@JenniTidd) February 7, 2017

Dear Betsy DeVos,

If you screw this up, you’re going to have to answer to one very pissed off woman with Autism.

Love,
Marta

— Marta Rusek (@martarusek) February 7, 2017

@VP @BetsyDeVos as a person with autism who goes to a special ed school, I do not appreciate her saying ICARE should not be in place.

— Moose ???? (@RunItsHer) February 7, 2017

@BetsyDeVos @usedgov As a mom of a child on the Autism Spectrum….You’re so unqualified! Remember this vote in 2018 people!

— Rese P. (@january_99) February 7, 2017

@VP @POTUS @BetsyDeVos

Unless of course that child has autism, like my son. Today he was deemed disposable, because he is not profitable.

— Bryce Hansen (@Rev_Bryce) February 7, 2017

@BetsyDeVos as the mother of a child with autism, I implore you to educate yourself on the IDEA.

— Nancy Burrows (@nancyb813) February 7, 2017