During the week of January 16, 2017, many teachers across the nation wore red to protest President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.

DeVos is the Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, and she is known for donating millions of dollars to the Republican Party. Her views on the education system are controversial and are opposed by many public school teachers. DeVos is a strong supporter of charter schools, school vouchers, homeschooling, and religious education. She also made comments that suggest she does not oppose guns in school.

In response to her nomination, DeVos said, “I am honored to work with the President-elect on his vision to make American education great again.”

HHS English teacher Michelle O’Brien has been protesting DeVos’s nominations since it was announced. She has been following DeVos’s confirmation hearings closely on Facebook and on the news, and she spread the word among HHS teachers to wear red this week. O’Brien said, “We need a secretary of education who at least understands what public education’s purpose in society is.”

O’Brien believes that DeVos is not qualified for this position because she and her children have not experienced the public education system. She believes that DeVos has undermined the public education system in Michigan and has used her wealth and connections to the Republican Party to secure this position. O’Brien said, “She has basically paid to play.”

O’Brien suggests that teachers contact their elected representatives to voice their concerns about DeVos’ nomination.