In Tweets: Students react to new U.S. Education Secretary appointment

On Tuesday, billionaire Betsy Devos, American President Donald Trump’s choice to head the department of education, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Congratulations to our new Education Secretary, @BetsyDeVos! pic.twitter.com/w7jE6G2x0p

— President Trump (@POTUS) February 7, 2017

From her nomination up to the close vote two nights ago (the Senate voted 50-50 with Governor Mike Pence having to break the tie), DeVos has evoked emotions and tensions from teachers to politicians alike:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren grills Betsy DeVos: "I don't see how she can be the Secretary of Education" https://t.co/qGppwkv6BU pic.twitter.com/g3sauXXvl8

— CNN (@CNN) January 18, 2017

Her critics are questioning how she would address issues such as sexual assault in campus, how to protect the rights of students with disabilities, and guns in schools, among others.

Disappointed to say the least that Ed Sec Nominee DeVos refused to commit to enforcing current law on campus sexual assault. #DeVosHearing

— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) January 17, 2017

And they say her answers have not been satisfactory, leading some to label her “unqualified and dangerous”.

But what do students think about the 11th United States Secretary of Education? We scoured Twitter to see what they are saying. Here are the results:

1. They think her plans to cut federal funds to public schools will be a big blow to students, especially those from low-income families.

https://twitter.com/CGriff1995/status/829235744208207872

2. They doubt her ability to handle student loans due to her background. Little is known on her stance for this.

Betsy DeVos said that she had no experience with federal student aid. Never has taken out a student loan for herself or her children.

— RO (@RoRoYourBoat_) February 7, 2017

https://twitter.com/Proud_Smith/status/826511379037237249

3. Leading some to get sarcastic and cynical about their student debt.

I'm gonna be in student loan debt til I die, thanks DeVos

— Mac Jones 4 Prez (@K_Reach04) February 8, 2017

*Devos's mindset* You won't have student loan debts if you can't afford to go to elementary school pic.twitter.com/3xx6VvydH5

— flora aura (@sophflora42) February 8, 2017

4. Those who have been affected by DeVos’ push for privatization of public schools at the state level say her policies will prove hurtful at the national level as well.

https://twitter.com/jobubba1961/status/825063822360772608

https://twitter.com/immorttxls/status/829058783838093314

5. They are also fazed about her apparent lack of knowledge on laws regarding disabled students and her plan to “advance God’s kingdom” through education.

https://twitter.com/YedithLeal/status/829049638560858112

https://twitter.com/TheRealAmir_/status/829196907746562048

6. Which led some to resort to expressing themselves through puppets.

https://twitter.com/LexWithTheWorld/status/829100757400039425

In short, the future of America’s education sector never looked more divisive or uncertain, and her students are poised to bear the brunt of it all.

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