Donald Trump’s Nominee for Education Secretary

To the Editor:

Re “For Education, an Advocate Who Backs Shifting Money From Public Schools” (front page, Nov. 24):

Of all Donald Trump’s cabinet appointments so far, the one that threatens the future of our democracy the most is that of Betsy DeVos. Her appointment signals the desire of those on the right to dismantle all public goods, and especially public schools.

Too often we forget that public education is a necessary cornerstone of democratic governance. In a democracy, citizens must have the knowledge and ability to make good decisions for themselves and for the greater good of the country. The more educated people are, the better equipped they are to understand the decisions of their leaders and the more likely they are to engage in civic life themselves.

Donald Trump’s statement early in the campaign that he loves the poorly educated was not just idiosyncratic blather; it was a harbinger of the policies Ms. DeVos will pursue to make education less accessible to people who cannot afford private education.

Of course, Ms. DeVos and Mr. Trump will say they are all about better quality education for all children. But don’t be fooled. They benefit from ensuring that the very best educational options are available only to the affluent, and they see no reason to make education available to those who can’t afford to pay for it.

TAMARA LUCAS

Weehawken, N.J.

The writer is dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Montclair State University.