CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire is pledging to vote against President Donald Trump’s education secretary nominee, Betsy DeVos, partly based on concerns that DeVos doesn’t understand the needs of students with disabilities.
Hassan, a Democrat, emerged as a top critic of DeVos last week, questioning whether she would ensure students with disabilities get an equal education as required by law if they use vouchers to go to private schools. DeVos is a strong supporter of school choice. She never directly answered Hassan’s question, but this week sent a letter to Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson saying she is committed to supporting equal opportunities for students with disabilities.
Hassan says that’s not good enough and calls DeVos “unfit” for the job. Hassan’s adult son, Ben, has cerebral palsy.
Hassan’s office says she’ll vote against DeVos in committee next week.
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, meanwhile, says he’s “particularly impressed” by DeVos’s commitment to “our most vulnerable students.” He’s urging the Senate to confirm her.
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