Michigan Sues Over DeVos Move to Redirect CARES Act Funding to Private Schools

Michigan and several other states are suing the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary Betsy DeVos over school funding.

“This is really just another example of a long history of an administration that uses any and every opportunity available to tip the scale in favor of private schools.” — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

DeVos’ plan under the CARES Act allows taxpayer money — that would normally go to public schools — be put into private schools.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says that would cut millions from large school districts in the state.

“Grand Rapids Public Schools would receive $2.6 Million dollars less in funding,” Nessel says. “The Detroit Public Schools Community District would also lose $2.6 Million in funding. And the Flint Public Schools would lose $1.4 Million dollars.” 

DeVos has long been a proponent of private and for-profit charter schools. Nessel calls it another attempt by DeVos to undercut public schools.

“This is really just another example of a long history of an administration that uses any and every opportunity available to tip the scale in favor of private schools at the great expense of our public schools,” Nessel says.