“One of the hallmarks of higher education and of democracy is the ability to converse with people with whom we disagree.”

American politician and former education secretary

Betsy DeVos is an American politician, philanthropist, and former government official, who served as the 11th United States secretary of education from 2017 to 2021. She is known for her conservative political activism and her long involvement in education policy. DeVos has been a prominent advocate of school choice, including voucher programs and charter schools. She also served as Republican national committeewoman for Michigan, led the Michigan Republican Party in two separate terms, and held leadership roles with organizations including the Foundation for Excellence in Education, the Alliance for School Choice, the Acton Institute, and All Children Matter PAC.