President’s education secretary pick, DeVos, met with opposition in Mid-Missouri

President Donald Trump’s pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, was met with opposition in Mid-Missouri Monday.

A group of about 50 led by Columbia teachers hand-delivered letters to Sen. Roy Blunt’s office on Cherry Street in downtown Columbia.

Retired teacher Aline Kultgen said, “Appointing a person who spent her whole professional life fighting against public education is absolutely appalling and I would like to urge Sen. Blunt to not support her, to vote ‘no’. We need one more Republican vote, and this is his chance to show some principle.”

Two Republicans already plan to vote against DeVos. If one more Republican renounces support, she won’t pass the confirmation process.

DeVos, from Michigan, has been criticized for having no education experience and being a strong supporter of school vouchers.

“We do feel our voices are being heard. Teachers have been emailing, calling, writing, visiting his office,” said teacher and organizer MacKenzie Everett-Kennedy. “If Betsy DeVos is confirmed, you’re gonna see a lot of teachers become more politically active than they ever have before.”

Senators in Washington are staying in session around the clock to try to push through President Trump’s remaining confirmations.

If there’s a tie, Vice President Mike Pence will be the deciding vote.