Verbatim

Leading Voices in Education

“We shouldn’t go back to the schools of March 2020—that’s a low bar.”

Apr 19, 2021

In a discussion with a civic engagement organization.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona

We can no longer have any invisible students in our buildings. Every student should have an adult they have a connection to in that in those schools and that’s not going to happen by accident.

Apr 18, 2021

We can no longer have any invisible students in our buildings. Every student should…

Stephen Pruitt, President of Southern Regional Education Board

“As much as we desperately need that funding, we also want to be able to spend it well, and spend it in mind with the equity levers that we know are going to drive impact for the communities who have deeply felt both the health pandemic and the anti-racism.”

Apr 14, 2021

During a webinar hosted by FutureEd and the Southern Regional Education Board on using Federal relief funds to support students.

Denise Forte, senior vice president for partnership and engagement at The Education Trust

“This is a necessary step to restoring the intent of the Title IX and fulfilling the promise of equal access to education for all students.”

Apr 12, 2021

In a statement on the Biden administration's review of DeVos' Title IX rule.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor

“Without vaccination, if some children get COVID through community spread and then they bring it to school, then it’s a ripple effect. If we can include kids [in vaccination programs], it’s going to make it so much easier for schools to operate.”

Apr 05, 2021

On COVID vaccines for children in an Education Week interview.

Dr. Sara Bode, a primary care pediatrician who serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on School Health

“Today I am calling on all states, school districts, schools, community partners to work to ensure to ensure that all children have access to high quality summer learning and enrichment opportunities this summer and beyond.”

Mar 29, 2021

During the Department's National Safe School Reopening Summit.

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona

“These updated recommendations provide the evidence-based roadmap to help schools reopen safely, and remain open, for in-person instruction.”

Mar 22, 2021

In a statement on the CDC's updated guidance for schools that allows for three feet of separation between students.

Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director

“This legislation provides resources needed to open our schools.”

Mar 15, 2021

During remarks after signing the American Rescue Plan into law.

President Joe Biden

“Today, I am directing every state to prioritize educators for vaccination. We want every educator, school staff member, and child-care worker to receive at least one shot by the end of this month. It’s time to treat in-person learning like the essential service that it is.”

Mar 08, 2021

In a tweet following his White House briefing urging states to vaccinate teachers.

President Joe Biden

“Statewide assessments are important to identify what extra support schools need to help their students get back on track and to ensure every student has an equitable opportunity to succeed.”

Feb 28, 2021

In a joint statement on the importance of statewide assessments.

Education committee chairs Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)

“Teachers are critical to our children’s development, they should be able to teach in a safe place and expand the minds and the opportunities of our children. So teachers should be a priority along with other front-line workers.”

Feb 22, 2021

Emphasizing the importance of teacher vaccinations in an interview with "TODAY" show anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Vice President Kamala Harris

“School should be the last places closed and the first places open. Our goal is to make sure in getting children back to school that we do so both with the safety of the children and the safety of the teachers.”

Feb 16, 2021

During a White House briefing.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director

“This year’s Black History Month is about dismantling systemic racism in every form, and that must start with education.”

Feb 08, 2021

In a statement last week introducing the Strength in Diversity Act.

Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-NY-17)

“If confirmed, it is my responsibility and privilege to make sure we’re following the civil rights of all students.”

Feb 04, 2021

Responding to a question about transgender student-athletes during his confirmation hearing.

Education Secretary Nominee Miguel Cardona

“We’re not going to get back to normal until we get children back into school, both for the good of the children, for the good of the parents, and for the good of the community. We want to make sure we do that by giving the teachers…the resources that they need to do that.”

Feb 01, 2021

In a virtual townhall with educators.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

“I couldn’t wait one more day to have this meeting, to say thank you on behalf of a grateful nation, to educators for their heroic commitment to students during this pandemic.”

Jan 25, 2021

On her virtual meeting with educators during her first week in office.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

Jan 18, 2021

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“We can [open schools] if we give school districts, communities, and states the clear guidance they need as well as the resources they will need that they cannot afford right now because of the economic crisis we are in.”

Jan 15, 2021

During his speech announcing the $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan."

President-Elect Joe Biden

“Impressionable children are watching all of this, and they are learning from us. I believe we each have a moral obligation to exercise good judgement and model the behavior we hope they would emulate.”

Jan 08, 2021

Reflecting on the storming of the Capitol in her resignation letter.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“It is impossible to understand how it is acceptable for federal taxpayer dollars to support a student attending the University of Notre Dame, but not for a student who wants to attend Notre Dame Prep High School.”

Jan 05, 2021

In a letter to Congress urging them to uphold her education agenda after her departure.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Everybody knows that students are better off when schools are open. Their achievement is significantly better. You don’t learn how to get along with people if you’re sitting at home.”

Jan 04, 2021

In an interview with EducationWeek.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor

“And I, being bilingual and bicultural, am as American as apple pie and rice and beans.”

Dec 27, 2020

During his speech accepting President-elect Biden's nomination as Education Secretary.

Miguel Cardona

“It shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to realize how important teachers are for this country.”

Dec 23, 2020

During his speech accepting President-elect Biden's nomination as Education Secretary.

Miguel Cardona

“Congress has a responsibility to expand access to quality higher education, which remains the surest path to the middle class. While this is not the comprehensive overhaul of the Higher Education Act and there is still work to be done, this proposal will help millions of students.”

Dec 21, 2020

In a statement celebrating the higher education provisions of the latest stimulus bill.

Rep. Bobby Scott, Chairman of the House Committee on Education & Labor

“Dr. Biden earned her degrees through hard work and pure grit. She is an inspiration to me, to her students, and to Americans across this country.”

Dec 14, 2020

In a Tweet responding to the WSJ opinion piece on Dr. Biden.

Doug Emhoff, incoming Second Gentleman

“No matter where they live, how they learn, or how much money their parents make, every single child in this country deserves a high-quality, public education from pre-K through 12th grade—and passing ESSA was an important step in making that a reality.”

Dec 11, 2020

In a statement on the 5th Anniversary of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) being signed into law.

Sen. Patty Murray, Ranking Member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions

“If Congress provides the funding we need to protect students, educators and staff, if states and cities put strong public health measures in place that we all follow, then my team will work to see that a majority of our schools can be open by the end of my first 100 days.”

Dec 09, 2020

While describing his priorities for his first 100 days.

President-Elect Joe Biden

“While student loan borrowers can rest easier knowing they’ll have relief through January, I won’t stop fighting until borrowers have the relief they need throughout the duration of this pandemic and economic recovery.”

Dec 07, 2020

In a tweet on Sec. Betsy DeVos’ move to extend the pause on student loan payments to January 31.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)

“I think my biggest challenges are not losing faith number one and making sure that my kids are okay. I worry all the time that they are not adequately prepared to do this work remotely.”

Nov 30, 2020

During FutureEd's "Voices from the Classroom: Teachers on Teaching in a Pandemic" webinar with TeachPlus & Educators for Excellence.

Shayna Boyd, middle school English & Social Science teacher at Ashburn Community Elementary in Chicago

“The current administration walked away from educational civil rights.”

Nov 23, 2020

During a recent webinar from The Hunt Institute

Fmr. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

“We will forgive all undergraduate tuition-related federal student debt from private HBCUs and MSIs and public colleges for those with incomes up to $125,000.”

Nov 17, 2020

In an op-ed in the HBCU Times.

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris

“For America’s educators, this is a great day: You’re going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great First Lady.”

Nov 09, 2020

During his victory speech Saturday night.

President-Elect Joe Biden

“You have Joe Biden, who is a student of American history and has the courage to speak the phrase Black Lives Matter.”

Nov 02, 2020

During a campaign stop in Fort Worth, Texas last week.

Sen. (D-CA) and Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris

“There’s no reason that American schools shouldn’t be the safest place in America…It takes some money, more classes, more teachers, more ventilation, more technology and the rest.”

Oct 26, 2020

On COVID relief.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

“The community must take responsibility, and it’s the behavior of the community that can ultimately dictate if we can get our children back to school safely, which I agree is what is best for students’ mental health.”

Oct 19, 2020

In an interview with Politico.

Emory University medical professor Wendy Armstrong

“[Schools] must open safely and it requires four things: First, teachers must have PPE… Second, children must be in smaller modules…Third, sanitation compacity in the schools is upgraded…Make sure you have enough teachers for the school.”

Oct 12, 2020

During last week's NBC News Townhall.

Vice President Joe Biden

“Between now and the time a vaccine is administered and treatments are widely available, the surest path back to school… is an oversupply of diagnostic testing so you can take a test whenever you need one.”

Oct 05, 2020

After the Trump Administration announced distribution of the Abbott BinaxNOW rapid COVID-19 tests.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee

“Yes, there’s a systemic injustice in this country in education and work and in law enforcement, and the way in which it is enforced.”

Sep 30, 2020

During the first 2020 presidential debate.

Vice President Joe Biden

“I was a law school teacher. And that’s how I regard my role here with my colleagues, who haven’t had the experience of growing up female and don’t fully appreciate the arbitrary barriers that have been put in women’s way.”

Sep 21, 2020

In a 2015 Bloomberg Interview.

Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg

“Title IX is a necessary tool for protecting students’ rights at a time when one in five women experience sexual assault during college.”

Sep 14, 2020

During her opening remarks while chairing a Subcommittee on Civil Rights & Human Services hearing last week.

Rep. Bonamici (D-OR-01)

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”

Sep 11, 2020

Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to…

Former President Barack Obama

“My teacher friends are scared. They’re scared they’re going to have to stand in front of kids and make promises they cannot keep.”

Sep 08, 2020

During a "Women for Biden" event.

CT Rep. and 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes

“We’re all concerned about making sure COVID-19 doesn’t further exacerbate the disparities, the disparities that already have existed in our educational system for so many poor children and in so many communities of color. It’s unacceptable and it can’t go on like this.”

Sep 03, 2020

During his remarks on Sept. 2 about reopening schools safely.

Vice President Joe Biden

“In a second term, I will expand charter schools and provide school choice to every family in America. And we will always treat our teachers with the tremendous respect that they deserve.”

Aug 28, 2020

During his speech accepting the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

President Trump

“He has made substantial investments in our historically black colleges and universities. This president also continues to fight for school choice, giving parents more options to help their children flourish.”

Aug 26, 2020

During her speech at the Republican National Convention.

First Lady Melania Trump

“If I’m president on day one we’ll implement the national strategy I’ve been laying out since March….we’ll make sure our schools have the resources they need to be open, safe, and effective.”

Aug 24, 2020

In his speech accepting the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Vice President Joe Biden

“Too many have lost their health care; too many are struggling to take care of basic necessities like food and rent; too many communities have been left in the lurch to grapple with whether and how to open our schools safely.”

Aug 18, 2020

During her keynote on the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama

“You know what creates more safety? Funding public schools, affordable housing, increased homeownership, job skill development, jobs, access to capital for those who want to start small businesses, or who are running small businesses in communities.”

Aug 12, 2020

You know what creates more safety? Funding public schools, affordable housing, increased homeownership, job skill…

CA Sen. and Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris

“We need some kind of federal stimulus. People think it’s just a discussion about hybrid or virtual teaching, but really the long-term financial viability of school systems is definitely under great strain and pressure right now.”

Aug 10, 2020

In a recent article by the New York Times.

Sonja Santelises, chief executive of the Baltimore school system

“We already faced a learning crisis before the pandemic. Now we face a generational catastrophe that could waste untold human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities.”

Aug 04, 2020

In a video message this week.

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated our nation’s child hunger crisis, created record high unemployment, and caused prolonged economic hardship—leaving many families struggling to cover basic essentials.”

Jul 30, 2020

On the importance of the Pandemic Child Hunger Prevention Act.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA)

“We have to acknowledge and recognize that African Americans with comorbidities have fared far worse in this pandemic than any other group.”

Jul 28, 2020

In an interview.

Wayne A.I. Frederick, President of Howard University

“Schools and areas with high rates of COVID-19 spread may need to consider delaying a return to full-time, in-person instruction. These schools will need the same or greater federal investments, not less.”

Jul 24, 2020

During the House Education & Labor Committee's 7/23 hearing on reopening schools.

Dr. Sean O’Leary, Vice Chair of the Committee on Infectious Diseases for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”

Jul 20, 2020

As a student in Nashville, TN.

Rep. John Lewis

“We need to ensure students have a full year plus of learning. They’ve fallen behind this spring. We need to ensure they’re back in a classroom situation wherever possible and whenever possible.”

Jul 12, 2020

On the need to reopen schools

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“This is going to be a teacher-oriented Department of Education, and it’s not going to come from the top down—it’s going to come from the teachers up.”

Jul 06, 2020

During the National Education Association's virtual Representative Assembly last week.

Vice President Joe Biden

“The basic fundamental goal would be as you possibly can to get the children back to school and use the public health efforts as a tool to help the children get back to school.”

Jun 30, 2020

At Tuesday's Senate HELP Committee hearing on safely getting students back to school.

Anthony Fauci, director of the Infectious Diseases Center at the National Institutes of Health

“It’s tough with schools because if you close down schools, that means the parents who rely on the schools to take care of children during the day have a difficulty.”

Jun 26, 2020

On the reopening of schools.

Anthony Fauci, director of the Infectious Diseases Center at the National Institutes of Health

“I mean, it’s like it’s a lose-lose situation. You have parents that are demanding the schools to open. And then you have parents that are saying, we’re not going to send our kids to school.”

Jun 18, 2020

On the complications surrounding reopening schools.

Dan Domenech, executive director of The School Superintendents Association (AASA)

“The single best thing that we could do to help minority children and minority families is to help them go back to school safely in August and September.”

Jun 12, 2020

During his remarks on the Senate floor on Thursday.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee

“In the most dire cases, students will have experienced trauma as issues of housing access and food insecurity are compounded by grief, loss, and even abuse. To meet these needs, schools should be prepared to offer a comprehensive set of services that address the needs of children and their families.”

Jun 10, 2020

When asked about meeting students' non-academic needs come fall.

Heather Hough, Executive Director of PACE (Policy Analysis for California Education)

“We know that it will cost more to return to school. It will cost more because we need to invest in protective equipment. It will cost more because schools need to not just be cleaned but sanitized. The mental health crisis in the communities will come to the schools when we reopen. We need more nurses and counselors to support students.”

Jun 01, 2020

On the cost of reopening schools.

Austin Beutner, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District

“…these regulations will undermine college and university efforts to effectively, fairly and compassionately combat sexual harassment — and treat both parties equitably when investigating and resolving campus sexual harassment and assault cases.”

May 26, 2020

In a letter to the editor of the Washington Post regarding the new Title IX rule.

Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education

“Generally the right test is better than no test. But a flawed test should not continue to be required.

May 22, 2020

During UC's debate on whether to become test-optional.

UC President Janet Napolitano

“We’ve been able to serve families better, we’ve been able to serve teachers better, because we have representatives who are on the ground floor of where the needs are.”

May 22, 2020

On how distance learning has been successfully led by teachers.

Tabatha Rosproy, Teacher of the Year

“But if we’re going to get through these difficult times; if we’re going to create a world where everybody has the opportunity to find a job, and afford college; if we’re going to save the environment and defeat future pandemics, then we’re going to have to do it together.”

May 18, 2020

During his televised commencement speech.

Former President Barack Obama

“If we keep kids out of school for another year, what’s going to happen is the poor and underprivileged kids who don’t have a parent that’s able to teach them at home are not going to learn for a full year.”

May 14, 2020

On the impact of keeping kids out of school another year because of coronavirus.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

“The idea of having treatments available or a vaccine to facilitate the re-entry of students into the fall term would be something that would be a bit of a bridge too far.”

May 12, 2020

At the Senate HELP Committee hearing on safely getting students back to school.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

“If we don’t help states with their revenue estimates , they have to balance their budgets and — to a large extent — we believe it’s going to come at the expense of education, so we have to come up with state and local funding.”

May 08, 2020

On the need for federal money for schools.

House Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (D-Va.)

“The districts and schools most likely to succeed in remote education will be those that provide a substantial amount of synchronous instruction and live student–teacher interaction.”

Apr 29, 2020

In an EducationNext piece where he describes how transparency can create accountability during remote learning.

Brian Gill

“This virus doesn’t understand school district boundaries, and these systems we’re talking about don’t work on any of these boundaries.”

Apr 20, 2020

On whether or not to re-open schools.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

“I fully expect, though I’m humble enough to know that I can’t accurately predict, that by the time we get to the fall that we will have this under control enough that it certainly will not be the way it is now, where people are shutting schools.”

Apr 08, 2020

Exhibiting cautious optimism for schools being open in the fall.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

“Many students and low-income families are facing financial hardships due to the pandemic need assistance from small broadband providers — many of which have already committed to sustain critical internet services and provide upgrades to ensure that the most vulnerable among us stay connected.”

Apr 07, 2020

In a letter to congressional leaders urging them to dedicate funding for small broadband providers.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), and Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS)

“If you’re a nursing school student or medical school student, we need you.”

Mar 31, 2020

While unveiling a new website recruiting healthcare professionals near the end of their training to help the state fight coronavirus.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (CA)

“Homeless youth talk about school as home, they talk about school as an escape, they talk about school as family—and that’s now gone.”

Mar 26, 2020

On how homeless students are impacted by the coronavirus.

Barbara Duffield, executive director of SchoolHouse Connection

“This is a point where I can say to all our educators: We need you. We need you. These children need you. These families need you.”

Mar 18, 2020

After making the decision to close NYC Public Schools.

Mayor Bill de Blasio

“Bernie has put forward a plan that would make public colleges and universities free for families whose income is below $125,000. It’s a good idea, and after consideration, I am proud to add it to my platform.”

Mar 16, 2020

In a tweet announcing his adoption of part of Bernie Sanders' free college plan.

Vice President Joe Biden

“Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators, and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus.”

Mar 13, 2020

On the closing of all K-12 Michigan schools.

Michael Rice, Michigan State Superintendent

“Today the Senate chose to put #StudentsFirst and reverse @BetsyDeVosED ‘s harmful Borrowers Defense rule. This is an important first step to prioritizing the interests of defrauded student loan borrowers instead of predatory, for-profit colleges.”

Mar 11, 2020

In a tweet about the Senate's vote to overturn the new Borrower's Defense rule.

Sen. Patty Murray

“We cannot send our children into schools with broken heating, contaminated water, toxic mold, poor technology, and expect them to thrive.”

Mar 04, 2020

In her statement of support for the Rebuild America's Schools Act.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

“We believe by eliminating these barriers, we are empowering our students to become lifelong voters and to believe in their power to make a difference.”

Mar 02, 2020

On arranging field trips to polling sites to encourage students to vote.

The superintendent of Guilford County School District in NC

“I’m not sure they’re appropriate every place. I can only tell you in New York, they provided parents with an alternative to send students to them. The charter schools are mixed in with the non-charter public schools, because our charter schools are public schools as well — they’ve helped each other.”

Feb 26, 2020

On charter schools at the Democratic primary debate in South Carolina.

Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg

“As president, we will guarantee free, universal childcare and pre-kindergarten to every child in America to help level the playing field, create new and good jobs, and enable parents more easily balance the demands of work and home.”

Feb 24, 2020

In a statement introducing his $1.5 trillion childcare and pre-k plan.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

“Mike [Bloomberg] has always supported charter schools, he opened a record number of charter schools as mayor of New York City, and he will champion the issue as president.”

Feb 19, 2020

In a statement to Politico.

Campaign spokesperson Stu Loeser

“This budget request allows States the freedom to focus on people, not paperwork. Results, not regulations. We know States will spend their money differently, and that’s okay. In fact, that’s what we hope they do. They know best how to serve their students.”

Feb 13, 2020

On the release of President Trump's budget which cuts the Department's spending by almost 8%.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Even the NCAA acknowledges now that federal legislation is necessary.”

Feb 10, 2020

Regarding compensation for student athletes.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)

“When girls are educated and empowered, we uplift communities and families, reduce poverty, and create a safer and more prosperous world.”

Feb 04, 2020

In her statement on the passage of the Keeping Girls in School Act by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Lois Frankel [D-FL-21]

“I think there’s a middle ground where you can’t just say America is nothing and everybody run off and do your own thing. It’s important to have a common cultural context and even—and this will be very controversial—a common language of expression.”

Jan 31, 2020

Explaining that he's glad America has become less of a monoculture.

Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang

“There are 37 states that have what’s called a Blaine Amendment, which essentially was a bigoted action against Catholic schools in the 1800s.”

Jan 30, 2020

While discussing Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue during a Fox News exclusive.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“For many children, the food they eat at school is their only access to healthy, nutritious meals.”

Jan 27, 2020

On why the Trump administration's rollback of school nutrition guidelines is problematic for students.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA)

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

Jan 23, 2020

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence…

Martin Luther King Jr.

“We all believe in innovation. But that has to be done with educators, not to educators. And that’s one of many reasons why for-profit charter schools have no place in the future of American education.”

Jan 21, 2020

While talking to teachers in Iowa last weekend.

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg

“Our country’s experiment with debt-financed education went terribly wrong.”

Jan 17, 2020

In her statement on using the Higher Education Act to cancel student debt.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

“I don’t think subsidizing the children of millionaires and billionaires to pay absolutely zero in tuition at public college is the best use of those scarce taxpayer dollars.”

Jan 15, 2020

During January's democratic presidential primary debate at Drake University in Iowa.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg

“We don’t have the right to be called professionals—and we will never convince the public that we are—unless we are prepared honestly to decide what constitutes competence in our profession and what constitutes incompetence and apply those definitions to ourselves and our colleagues.”

Jan 08, 2020

To a teacher union convention in Niagara Falls in 1985.

Albert Shanker, former president of the American Federation of Teachers

“We have come to take democracy for granted, and civic education has fallen by the wayside.”

Jan 06, 2020

In the Supreme Court's 2019 year-end report.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts

“I have a plan, as a Special Ed teacher, to fully fund IDEA.”

Dec 20, 2019

During December's Democratic presidential primary debate at Loyola Marymount University.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts)

“I don’t mean a coffee mug that you buy someone at the holidays. You pay them money … so that they can support their family and still be able to teach in public schools.”

Dec 19, 2019

At the education forum for 2020 candidates in Pittsburgh.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

“We have to massively increase what we pay teachers in this country.”

Dec 16, 2019

At the education forum for 2020 candidates in Pittsburgh.

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colorado)

“I think most of us here want justice for these taxpayers that happen to be borrowers, for them to receive the relief that they need to receive.”

Dec 13, 2019

During House Education & Labor's hearing on the Department of Education's handling of Borrower's Defense.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona)

“We cannot tolerate fraud in higher education, nor can we tolerate furiously giving away taxpayer money to those who have submitted a false claim or aren’t eligible for relief.”

Dec 11, 2019

In her statement on the department's new methodology for providing student loan relief to Borrower Defense applicants.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Students must be responsible consumers of education, seriously committed to their own success.”

Dec 04, 2019

During her speech at the annual Federal Student Aid (FSA) conference.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“We must give America’s students the freedom to learn and grow in the ways and places that work best for them.”

Dec 03, 2019

In her statement on the United States' PISA scores.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“We want to ensure federal dollars have the maximum positive impact on the students and communities that need it most.”

Dec 02, 2019

In her statement on the department's new Opportunity Zones priority.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Some communities are perfectly comfortable with having their teachers and school staff trained and armed so they can protect people in their buildings. Other communities are adamantly opposed to the idea. That is okay.”

Nov 25, 2019

In their failed armed teacher resolution.

Illinois Association of School Boards Members

“Studies have shown that two-thirds of our kids’ educational outcomes are determined by what’s happening to them at home.”

Nov 21, 2019

During November's Democratic Primary Debate

Andrew Yang

“The conservative case that I’m building, or hope to be building here, is that we must stop making unlimited amounts of money available through loans.”

Nov 15, 2019

At an AEI event on the conservative argument for student debt forgiveness.

A. Wayne Johnson, past COO of the Office of Federal Student Aid under Secretary DeVos.

“For many of us who have DACA, it’s been two years of waiting this out.”

Nov 11, 2019

Describing how the Supreme Court's decision affects her post-graduation plans.

Axel Herrera Ramos, a senior at Duke University

“I didn’t want to have another fire throw a wrench in my academic work.”

Nov 07, 2019

Describing the impact of California wildfires on his education.

A student at Sonoma State University

“To our educators, this is your victory.”

Nov 06, 2019

In his victory speech Tuesday night.

Andy Beshear (D), Kentucky Governor Elect

“Obviously, we shouldn’t be telling [students] how to vote or who to vote for. We just want them to vote, period—to take that first step toward making voting a lifelong habit.”

Nov 04, 2019

Describing her new nonpartisan voter registration program that trains teachers on getting their students to vote.

Michelle Obama

“We rejected the idea that one-size-fits-all solutions make sense in a world where education needs continue to evolve in our dynamic economy.”

Nov 01, 2019

In her statement on new regulations that overhaul college accreditation.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“This country is in a student achievement crisis, and over the past decade it has continued to worsen, especially for our most vulnerable students.”

Oct 30, 2019

In her statement on the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“The same tired idea of throwing more money into the existing system and hoping that this time things will be different is the very definition of insanity.”

Oct 30, 2019

In her statement during the markup on the Democrats' higher education bill.

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Ranking Member of the House Education & Labor Committee

“It’s simple, we need more people of color in these rooms making decisions.”

Oct 24, 2019

When asked about recommendations on education reform policies during an event at the Brookings Institution.

Rodney Robinson, 2019 National Teacher of the Year

“Who do they think is actually going to pay for these? It’s going to be two of the three Americans that aren’t going to college paying for the one out of three that do.”

Oct 21, 2019

Criticizing Democrats' student loan plans during an interview on Fox News.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“People who are getting crushed by student loans are in a fight today.”

Oct 21, 2019

At the fourth Democratic debate in Ohio.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

“By providing students in our Nation with such an education, we help save our children from the clutches of poverty, crime, drugs, and hopelessness, and we help safeguard our Nation’s prosperity for generations yet unborn.”

Oct 17, 2019

By providing students in our Nation with such an education, we help save our children…

Rep. Elijah Cummings

“Instead of promoting unworkable partisan bills, we ought to work together to support students’ access to affordable postsecondary education that will prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills they need for lifelong success.”

Oct 16, 2019

In their statement criticizing Democrats' proposed higher education bill.

House Republicans on the Education and Labor Committee

“We do not believe the U.S. has the high-skill talent it needs, nor does it have the capacity to train enough people with those skills.”

Oct 15, 2019

In an open-letter to the White House and Congress.

63 business school deans and CEOs

“School is where students are first learning how to do the work of citizenship.”

Oct 11, 2019

Regarding how to best teach about impeachment in schools.

Christopher Martel, assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts-Boston

“The best the next secretary could do, regardless of where she comes from, would be to assemble a broad-based panel of actual public school teachers, consult them regularly, and listen to them.”

Oct 09, 2019

In his article for Forbes on whether or not a teacher should be Secretary of Education.

Peter Greene

“That’s why now is the time to do something different. Something better. Embrace the thing that makes America great: Freedom.”

Oct 03, 2019

In her prepared remarks on Education Freedom Scholarships at the American Enterprise Institute.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“The rich diversity at Harvard and other colleges and universities and the benefits that flow from that diversity will foster the tolerance, acceptance and understanding that will ultimately make race conscious admissions obsolete.”

Oct 02, 2019

From her 130-page ruling on the Harvard affirmative action case.

U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs

“This PSA is a gut punch, it’s uncomfortable, it’s hard to watch, but you can’t sanitize a school shooting.”

Sep 30, 2019

Describing a new commercial created by Sandy Hook Promise that vividly displays the atrocities of gun violence in schools

Mark Barden, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise (SHP)

America is on the ‘verge of making education great again.’

Sep 23, 2019

In her remarks at the Mackinac, Michigan Republican Leadership Conference

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“At times the new progressivism, for all its up-to-the-minuteness, carries a whiff of the 17th century, with heresy hunts and denunciations of sin and displays of self-mortification. The atmosphere of mental constriction in progressive milieus, the self-censorship and fear of public shaming, the intolerance of dissent—these are qualities of an illiberal politics.”

Sep 17, 2019

When the Culture Wars Come for the Kids, The Atlantic, October 2019

George Packer

“Strategies like investing in our children work. I’m tired of us thinking about these problems isolated from these other issues.”

Sep 13, 2019

Cory Booker responds during the third Democratic debate where teacher pay, charter schools and Secretary of Education DeVos were discussed.

New Jersey Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate Cory Booker

“The Trump administration is sending an alarming message: Schools can cheat [their] student borrowers and still reap the rewards of federal student aid.”

Sep 03, 2019

The Chairman of the House education committee responds to the the Department of Education's new "borrower defense to repayment" rules.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.)

“I tell parents you are my partner in your child’s education. You pass the baton to me in morning, and I pass the baton back to you in the afternoon.”

Aug 28, 2019

The first week of school for many around the country, Georgia's Teacher of the Year offers advice to parents.

Tracey Nance Pendley

“A $30,000 debt for a graduate degree in education is a much weightier debt than probably a $50,000 debt for law school.”

Aug 22, 2019

Founding dean of the College of Staten Island Department of Education

Kenneth Gold

“This legislation ensures that teachers will never have the burden of choosing between protecting their students or themselves from a violent shooter.”

Aug 12, 2019

In her statement about New York's new law banning schools from arming teachers.

New York Assemblywoman Judy Griffin (D)

“Equal is not equal.”

Aug 02, 2019

Speaking in the president debate about educational disparities

U.S Sen. MIchael Bennet

“Right now, families are worried to the point that some people are questioning whether or not they should fill out basic school district forms.”

Aug 01, 2019

On concerns among immigrant families

Mohammed Choudhury, chief innovation officer for San Antonio Independent School District.

“Our system of education today is reinforcing that income inequality, not liberating people from it. Because the best predictor of the quality of the education you get is your parent’s income.”

Jul 28, 2019

Our system of education today is reinforcing that income inequality, not liberating people from it.

U.S. Sen. and Democrat Presidential Candidate Michael Bennet

“No student in this country should have to sacrifice their own health to get an education.”

Jul 25, 2019

On a report showing that only 12% of schools have been evaluated for lead paint

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“The schoolroom is the first opportunity most citizens have to experience the power of government.”

Jul 18, 2019

The schoolroom is the first opportunity most citizens have to experience the power of government.

Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens

“We need to start dealing with the trauma that our kids have. We need trauma-based care in every school. We need social-emotional learning in every school.”

Jul 17, 2019

We need to start dealing with the trauma that our kids have. We need trauma-based…

Democratic Presidential Candidate and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan

“Education reform isn’t a cure-all. As a supporter of education reform, I agree that fixing educational inequality requires doing more to address the broader, systemic sources of economic inequality.”

Jul 12, 2019

Responding to a recent opinion piece on education reform and income inequality.

President Barack Obama

“Our teachers, not unlike teachers elsewhere, feel as though we don’t value their profession. There’s a message there I think we need to think about.”

Jul 02, 2019

Commenting on the results of the Teaching and Learning International Survey

Peggy Carr, associate commissioner for assessment at NCES

“I like ‘education freedom’ because it opens up our thinking about what education can be.”

Jun 27, 2019

Describing her new terminology for school choice

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy Devos

“Teaching is really hard, It’s about as close to rocket science as I think you can get.”

Jun 25, 2019

Speaking on a FutureEd panel on the teaching profession

Joanne S. Weiss, who was chief of staff to then-Education Secretary Arne Duncan 

“If you’re a jazz musician, you need to know your scales. If you’re an artist, you need to draw a still life. It’s the same with teachers.”

Jun 21, 2019

On the need for standards and training in education

Mayme Hostetter, President of Relay Graduate School of Education

“There are very good public schools and very bad public schools. There are very good charter schools and very bad charter schools. The goal should be to make more schools high-quality and effective .”

Jun 11, 2019

Defending charter schools from attacks by other candidates

Democratic Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang

“We decided and recognized that trying to swim under that tsunami of choice would only bring about our own demise. If we decided to outrun it, we would lose.”

Jun 05, 2019

On his approach to school choice

Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools

“When I watched progressives and Glenn Beck join hands in opposition to Common Core, I said, ‘Whoa, we’ve built a coalition.’ I had not intended to build that coalition.”

May 30, 2019

Reflecting on his life as an education reformer

Former West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise

Educators shouldn’t have to fight so hard for resources and respect.

May 29, 2019

Unveiling his education plan

Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden

“People are actually asking a question I never thought I’d hear, ‘Is going to college a reliable path to economic opportunity?'”

May 24, 2019

Announcing a new line of inquiry

Sue Desmond-Hellmann, President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“We can’t sit on our hands and ignore the disparities of wealth reflected in the SAT.”

May 22, 2019

On the decision to include a diversity score in the SAT

College Board Chief Executive David Coleman

“Let’s get a person with real teaching experience. A person who understands how low pay, tattered textbooks, and crumbling classrooms hurt students and educators.”

May 15, 2019

On her pick for education secretary

U.S. Sen. and Democrat Presidential Candidate Elizabeth Warren

“Teachers don’t need guns. They need a raise.”

May 13, 2019

Touting her plan to use federal dollars to raise teachers salaries

U.S. Sen. and Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris

“I don’t enjoy the publicity that comes with my position. I don’t love being up on stage or on any kind of platform. I’m an introvert.”

May 07, 2019

Speaking at the Education Writers Association conference

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy Devos

“We really shouldn’t expect or rely on our young people’s ability on their own to Google their way to good sexual and reproductive health.”

May 06, 2019

Researcher with the Guttmacher Institute

Laura Lindberg

“We are advocating for more freedom in education — for parents and students to be able to take much more control of their education.”

May 02, 2019

Defending her agenda from criticism by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Our children and grandchildren are not merely statistics toward which we can be indifferent.”

May 02, 2019

Our children and grandchildren are not merely statistics toward which we can be indifferent.

John F. Kennedy

“We are significantly concerned that big-city students would face horrific consequences from adding a citizenship question to the Census. “

Apr 24, 2019

We are significantly concerned that big-city students would face horrific consequences from adding a citizenship…

Julie Wright Halbert, legislative counsel for the Council of the Great City Schools

“The enormous student debt burden weighing down our economy isn’t the result of laziness or irresponsibility.”

Apr 22, 2019

Unveiling a higher education plan to reduce student debt and eliminate tuition

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

“I remain concerned that many state [ESSA] plans fall short and risk continuing or even exacerbating inequalities for disadvantaged students.”

Apr 16, 2019

Speaking to state leaders about implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

Apr 06, 2019

Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.

Albert Einstein

“We spend an awful lot of time, energy and money being reactive to school safety. The pivot that needs to take place is how to be proactive.”

Mar 28, 2019

Speaking on the importance of mental health supports in schools

Joseph Erardi, former Superintendent of Newtown Public Schools

“We are not doing our children any favors when we borrow from their future in order to invest in systems and policies that are not yielding better results.”

Mar 26, 2019

On her concerns about increased education funding despite the growing federal debt

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Conservatives don’t like it when judges try to write laws, and conservatives should not like it when legislators and agencies try to rewrite the Constitution.”

Mar 22, 2019

On President Trump's executive order about free speech on college campuses

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

I believe in the promise education provides as an equalizer and as a means of increasing social mobility.

Mar 17, 2019

Chancellor of DC Public Schools

Lewis Ferebee

“This is an extreme illustration of a reality in our higher education system: Students from wealthy families and students from poor families are not treated equally.”

Mar 13, 2019

On allegations of widespread fraud in college admissions

House Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott, D-Va.

“We educate women because it is smart. We educate women because it changes the world.”

Mar 12, 2019

We educate women because it is smart. We educate women because it changes the world.

Drew Faust, Former President of Harvard University

“We still have a significant opportunity to take a big step in the right direction, and to make a significant down payment toward providing real opportunities for future students.”

Mar 05, 2019

On the need to reauthorize the Higher Education Act

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“Let’s speak truth: We’re a society that pretends to care about education, but not so much the education of other people’s children.”

Feb 24, 2019

Let’s speak truth: We’re a society that pretends to care about education, but not so…

Presidential Candidate and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)

“Without a strong educational system democracy is crippled.”

Feb 21, 2019

Without a strong educational system democracy is crippled.

President Harry S Truman

“Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity.”

Feb 20, 2019

Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity.

President Lyndon B. Johnson

“Knowledge—that is, education in its true sense—is our best protection against unreasoning prejudice and panic-making fear, whether engendered by special interest, illiberal minorities, or panic-stricken leaders.”

Feb 19, 2019

Knowledge— that is, education in its true sense—is our best protection against unreasoning prejudice and…

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“I cannot ever stand up and stand against a parent having options, because I’ve benefited from my parents having options.”

Feb 14, 2019

On his support for school choice programs

Presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)

“The single, quickest, best way to make college more affordable to poor students is to simplify the FAFSA.”

Feb 12, 2019

Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

“Low standards and low expectations tell students that we don’t have hope for them. That we don’t believe in them. But we do.”

Feb 05, 2019

In a speech to the National School Boards Association

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Every day across districts in America, students and educators attend schools that are either unsafe or lack basic resources, or both, and this is simply unacceptable.”

Jan 31, 2019

Introducing a bill to spend $100 billion on school infrastructure

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.

“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

Jan 24, 2019

Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.

Martin Luther King Jr.

“There have never been bridges for our low-income and black students to good jobs.”

Jan 22, 2019

There have never been bridges for our low-income and black students to good jobs.

Cate Swinburn, President of YouthForce NOLA

“We’re in a battle for the soul of public education.”

Jan 18, 2019

Amid a teachers' strike

Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of the United Teachers of Los Angeles

“A good curriculum doesn’t micromanage the minute-to-minute actions of teachers; it challenges them to think.”

Jan 05, 2019

On the tension between autonomy and coherence in school curriculum

Louisiana State Schools Superintendent John White

“The question of whether money matters is separate from whether money can matter more if we spend it better.”

Dec 31, 2018

On the value of education spending

Northwestern University Researcher Kirabo Jackson

“Studies have consistently found harsh exclusionary discipline and physical punishments are associated with negative long-term outcomes.”

Dec 19, 2018

In a joint statement recommending efforts to repeal Obama-era guidance on school discipline

Eormer U.S. Education Secretaries Arne Duncan and John King

“Do we really need more white bread in our schools?”

Dec 14, 2018

On learning that the U.S. Agriculture Department is rolling back school lunch guidelines on whole grains

Ann Cooper, Food Service Director for Boulder Valley Schools in Colorado

“Think about every problem, every challenge, we face. The solution to each starts with education.”

Dec 07, 2018

Think about every problem, every challenge, we face. The solution to each starts with education.

President George H.W. Bush

“The first responders to poverty are our teachers.”

Nov 29, 2018

The first responders to poverty are our teachers.

Wade Henderson, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

“Nothing is free. Someone, somewhere ultimately pays the bills.”

Nov 28, 2018

Speaking about student loan debt

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Which is more predictive of how much you will earn, someone who gets along well with their peers or someone who scores very high on a math test?”

Nov 14, 2018

On the importance of noncognitive measures

Economist Raj Chetty

“I don’t think what teachers want is to put their feet up while kids are each on a private learning journey.”

Oct 26, 2018

On a misperception about personalized learning

Amplify CEO Larry Berger

Equality in America won’t come until we have equality of educational opportunity.”

Oct 25, 2018

Equality in America won’t come until we have equality of educational opportunity.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

“My most difficult meetings are not with unions and school boards, they’re with publishers.”

Oct 16, 2018

On the challenges of finding appropriate textbooks

Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White

“Abandoning truth creates confusion. Confusion leads to censorship. And censorship inevitably invites chaos on campuses, and elsewhere.”

Oct 12, 2018

Speaking about higher education at National Constitution Center

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“There is a disconnect between what teachers aspire to, what they say is good professional practice, and what is actually happening in the classroom.”

Oct 08, 2018

On the use of rote memorization in American classrooms

Andreas Schleicher, OECD Education Director

“I didn’t do a great job early on in engaging our educators in New Mexico in meaningful, professional opportunities…. Since then, New Mexico has become well-known for its teacher initiatives which are all about professional engagement, opportunity, and growth. I am proud of that. It took too long to get there.”

Oct 02, 2018

On the need for teacher engagement in teacher reform efforts

Hanna Skandera, former New Mexico secretary of education

“It is incredibly important to police equitable access [to choice schools]. But I also think that giving parents some significant say, that their economic circumstances do not afford them, in what they think is best for their child, is a value that has driven improvements system-wide.”

Sep 28, 2018

Speaking about school choice at recent FutureEd forum: 

Chris Cerf, former schools superintendent in Newark, N.J.

“The Every Student Succeeds Act put states back in the driver’s seat for decisions on how to help their students, and I am eager to see what this new chapter holds for our nation’s students,”

Sep 25, 2018

Opening a hearing on the implementation of ESSA

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

“When you put the responsibility on parents to make good choices, it rarely works.”

Sep 19, 2018

Describing the need for some regulation in school choice

Andreas Schleicher, OECD Education Director

“If you continue to defund the profession, teachers are going to leave, or are not going to make it. This is a real turning point at a critical time for public schools and for public education, and our members know it.”

Sep 05, 2018

On the frustration that led a strike vote in the teachers union.

Arlene Inouye, United Teachers of Los Angeles

“Let me be clear: I have no intention of taking any action concerning the purchase of firearms or firearms training for school staff under the ESEA.”

Sep 01, 2018

In a letter to Congress

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“What is the advantage in a low-income area of sending a child to a failed school and that being your only choice?”

Aug 30, 2018

Explaining his support for school choice in a 2008 presidential debate.

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz

“Congress doesn’t think this is a good idea. Parents don’t think this is a good idea. Teachers don’t think this is a good idea. Only Betsy DeVos and the gun industry want this.”

Aug 27, 2018

Introducing an amendment that would block federal spending to arm teachers.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

“What it ultimately comes down to is that someone cares about their future. We want the next great police officer, the next great politician, the next great doctor, the next great nurse, the next great musician.”

Aug 16, 2018

Explaining the philosophy behind the new public school he opened in Akron, Ohio

NBA Star LeBron James

“We are in the business of educating children, no matter where they came from or how they got here.”

Aug 12, 2018

Describing her district's commitment to helping unaccompanied immigrant children

Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Superintendent of Schools in Oakland, Calif.

“I don’t look at what people say, I look at actions and policies. I look at their budgets. And our values don’t reflect that we care about education, teachers or that we truly care about keeping our children safe and free of fear.”

Aug 05, 2018

In an interview on Face the Nation

Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

“Do we need to be spending money on giving [a] random group of privileged high school students a world-class running track? No. That’s crazy. But do we need to be spending money in order to expand educational opportunities for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have them? Absolutely,”

Aug 03, 2018

On donations to Ivy League colleges

Malcolm Gladwell, Author and Journalist

“When a child who could be taught to read goes untaught, the child suffers a lasting injury—and so does society.”

Jul 26, 2018

Ruling that the state has failed to provide at-risk students with a proficient education

New Mexico District Judge Sarah Singleton

“It’s incredibly powerful that in the capital of the Confederacy, where we had a school named for an individual who fought to maintain slavery, that now we’re renaming that school after the first black president.”

Jul 20, 2018

On renaming J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School for Barack Obama

Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras

“Research shows the benefits of diversity for all students.”

Jul 08, 2018

About the Trump administration's decision to rescind Obama-era guidance on race-based admissions

Former Secretary of Education John King

“Across the country, the relationships of public employees and employers will alter in both predictable and wholly unexpected ways.”

Jun 29, 2018

In her dissent on the Janus v. AFSCME decision

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan

“College wasn’t meant to do alone.”

Jun 27, 2018

Speaking to first-generation, college-bound students

Former First Lady Michelle Obama

“The Department of Labor is no more equipped to oversee elementary education policy than the Department of Education is prepared to enforce standards for coal mine safety. The logic behind this proposal is painfully thin.”

Jun 22, 2018

On a proposal to merge the Education and Labor departments

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.

“We will continue to stress the importance of attendance because every day counts.”

Jun 12, 2018

After a City Council vote allowing truant seniors to graduate

D.C. Deputy Mayor for Education Ahnna Smith

“School is a sacrosanct place for students to be able to learn, and they should be protected.”

Jun 06, 2018

Clarifying past statements about immigration officials approaching undocumented students at school

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“If we’re going to get serious about closing the achievement gap, we have to start at the beginning.”

Jun 05, 2018

On the need to strengthen early childhood education

California Gubernatorial Candidate Antonio Villaraigosa

“I shouldn’t be going through this. It’s my school. This is my daily life. I shouldn’t have to feel like that, and I feel scared to even go back.”

May 25, 2018

After a mass shooting at the Texas school

A Student at Santa Fe High School

“I would say we are a nation of laws, and we are a compassionate people.”

May 22, 2018

Answering a question on whether schools should report undocumented immigrants.

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“For years now, our schools have been suffering death by a thousand paper cuts, and it’s long past time we right this wrong.”

May 17, 2018

Voting on a bill to modernize the state's education funding formula

Massachusetts State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, D-Boston

“Students are suffering because of an absence of vision, a failure of will and politics that values opposition over progress.”

May 10, 2018

In a joint Washington Post commentary piece

Former U.S. Education Secretaries Arne Duncan and Margaret Spelling

“Even the best teacher can’t succeed with students who are not in class.”

May 09, 2018

On the importance of school attendance

John B. King Jr., Education Trust president and CEO, former U.S. Secretary of Education

“This raise is earned, and it is deserved. Everyone can name the teachers who made a positive impact on their lives.”

May 03, 2018

After signing a bill that raised teachers' salaries by 20% in 2020.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey

“No one indicator is the silver bullet in education.”

May 01, 2018

During a panel discussion on chronic absenteeism and ESSA

Scott Braband, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia

“Conjunction Junction, what’s your function? Hooking up words and phrases and clauses.”

Apr 26, 2018

Composer of Schoolhouse Rock, who died this week

Bob Dorough

“If you can’t read, you can’t do anything.”

Apr 18, 2018

On the need for promoting literacy

Barbara Bush

“Education cuts do not heal.”

Apr 09, 2018

Education cuts do not heal.

Poster from Teacher Walk Outs in Oklahoma

“More glue guns, fewer handguns.”

Mar 27, 2018

More glue guns, fewer handguns.

Teacher placard at March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C.

“I think it would be important to visit some poor performing schools, I think the question is: will they let me in?”

Mar 21, 2018

At a Congressional hearing

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“It strains credibility to suggest that schools cannot be made safer unless states and districts can employ racially discriminatory discipline policies and practices.”

Mar 19, 2018

In a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Obama-era discipline guidance

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.

“It certainly was hard to watch, but more concerning are the policies of this administration, their unwillingness to protect student civil rights, their unwillingness to invest in public education, their unwillingness to do what’s necessary to make our schools safer from gun violence.”

Mar 13, 2018

On the 60 Minutes Interview with his successor, Betsy DeVos

Former U.S. Education Secretary John B. King Jr.

“If we wanted to dictate from D.C., I’d claim the mantle of our nation’s ‘choice chief’ and reject plans because they don’t give parents more quality choices. But I haven’t done that. And I won’t.”

Mar 05, 2018

On her handling of the state plans required by the Every Student Succeeds Act.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“Lyndon Johnson understood that you can’t deal with education without dealing with poverty, and you can’t deal with poverty without dealing with race.”

Feb 28, 2018

Reflecting on the lack of progress in civil rights in the past 50 years

Gary Orfield, co-director, Civil Rights Project at UCLA

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”

Feb 18, 2018

Inaugural Address, January 20, 1937

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”

Feb 18, 2018

Inaugural Address, January 20, 1937

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“We have many qualified, capable individuals waiting to come and contribute here, and they’re just messing around up at that building on the Hill.”

Feb 09, 2018

On Congress' delay in confirming Education Department officials.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“A lot of where kids end up is already kind of baked in by the 3rd grade.”

Feb 06, 2018

On new research into teacher quality and student achievement.

CALDER Director and University of Washington researcher Dan Goldhaber

“Higher education must provide a return on investment for students and taxpayers. Right now, both are getting a raw deal.”

Feb 01, 2018

In a hearing about reauthorizing the Higher Education Act

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“Maybe what students need is someone who doesn’t yet know all the things you ‘can’t do.’”

Jan 23, 2018

On the benefits of being an outsider

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

” I agree–and have always agreed–with President Trump on this: Common Core is a disaster. And at the U.S. Department of Education, Common Core is dead.”

Jan 16, 2018

In a Jan. 16 speech

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“To be ready for school and learning, you have to be healthy first.”

Jan 12, 2018

On the importance of the CHIP program to education

Scott Kizner. School Superintendent in Harrisonburg, Va.

“When public officials resist public disclosure of what they do, people should be skeptical of what they’re trying to hide.”

Jan 03, 2018

Executive Director of American Oversight, which has sued for the calendar of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Austin Evers

“The easiest fix is to eliminate the 529 expansion…. Not doing so will affirm the worst caricature of Republicans and education — taking money from the poor to give to the rich.”

Dec 21, 2017

On a new tax break for parents spending money on private school tuition

Nat Malkus, Education Policy Scholar at American Enterprise Institutes

“I think that we can all do well to reflect on the things we say before we say them.”

Dec 01, 2017

When asked about President Trump's reference to Pocahontas

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“If the department is today ignoring the agreement we made in the law and just choosing to implement whatever it feels like…then this committee needs to hear from the secretary directly.”

Nov 29, 2017

Accusing the U.S. Education Department of flouting ESSA rules

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“I am committed to seeing ESSA implemented as it was written. I believe Secretary DeVos is doing just that—following the law in approval of state plans while encouraging states to use maximum flexibility afforded to them.”

Nov 28, 2017

In a tweet defending Education Secretary Betsy DeVos from Democratic criticism

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

“We’ll take $200,000 of your money; in exchange, we’ll train your children to hate your country…We’ll make them unemployable by teaching them courses in zombie studies, underwater basket weaving and, my personal favorite, tree climbing.”

Nov 27, 2017

Decrying American universities in an Oct. 24 speech at the University of North Texas

Donald Trump Jr.

“We need to stop forcing kids into believing a traditional four-year degree is the only pathway to success.”

Nov 14, 2017

Speaking about the value of apprenticeships.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“I think I was undercoached. The transition group was very circumspect about how much information they gave me about then-current policy and … it was in their view a balance between being prepared for a confirmation hearing and not having well-formed opinions on what should or shouldn’t change.”

Nov 01, 2017

Describing her difficult confirmation hearing before the Senate HELP Committee

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“For students of color, disparities in educational opportunity and achievement are inextricably linked to our nation’s continued struggle to grapple with issues of race and bias.”

Oct 22, 2017

In a speech at Georgetown University

Former U.S. Education Secretary John King

“The mission of schools and teachers is to develop an understanding of all that is true, good and beautiful.”

Oct 06, 2017

In a tweet

Pope Francis

“An A in Louisiana should be an A in any state in this country.”

Oct 04, 2017

On the goals of his state's ESSA plan.

Louisiana State Superintendent John White

“I know if Washington tries to mandate ‘choice,’ all we’ll end up with is a mountain of mediocrity, a surge of spending and a bloat of bureaucracy to go along with it.”

Oct 03, 2017

Speaking at Harvard University

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“Getting anything done is a process, not an event. When you are oriented to getting things done, it can be frustrating.”

Sep 25, 2017

On the challenges of working in the federal bureaucracy

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“I got the impression that her learning curve where higher ed is concerned is quite vertical.”

Sep 21, 2017

After a conversation with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

University of California System President Janet Napolitano

It’s a mundane malaise that dampens dreams, dims horizons and denies futures.”

Sep 13, 2017

On the back-to-school routine in public schools

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

“This is not about letting institutions off the hook – they still have important work to do. [But] through intimidation and coercion, the failed system has clearly pushed schools to overreach.”

Sep 07, 2017

Pledging to revise rules on campus sexual assaults

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“Condemning the KKK and Nazis is a really low bar.”

Aug 28, 2017

Former education secretary criticizing current Secretary Betsy DeVos's response to Charlottesville

John King

“The views of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and other racist bigots are totally abhorrent to the American ideal. We all have a role to play in rejecting views that pit one group of people against another. Such views are cowardly, hateful and just plain wrong.”

Aug 18, 2017

On white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, Va.

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“It is not fair to think that when students transit through a K-12 system that is not preparing them for beyond, that somehow we are going to waive a magic wand and things are going to be perfect for them at the higher-ed level.”

Aug 09, 2017

On the connection between K-12 school quality and college completion

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“For all of the beauty of technology and all the things we’ve helped facilitate over the years, nothing yet replaces human interactions.”

Aug 07, 2017

Quoted in a Wall Street Journal Magazine article on Apple's new corporate headquarters

Apple CEO Tim Cook

“Out of Michigan, without her checkbook, DeVos is like a mermaid with legs: clumsy, conspicuous, and unable to move forward.”

Jul 28, 2017

Writing in a New York magazine profile of the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Lisa Miller

“I think school choice advocates, and I’m one of them, have made a lot more progress state-by-state and community-by-community than in Washington. I think it’s more difficult here.”

Jul 27, 2017

On stalled efforts to increase federal spending for school choice

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

“Ms. Jackson’s callous, insensitive, and egregious comments regarding sexual assault on college campuses crossed a serious line and highlighted her clear biases.”

Jul 18, 2017

On "flippant" remarks by Candice Jackson, acting Education Department civil rights chief

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“We can’t go back to the days when allegations were swept under the rug. And I acknowledge there was a time when women were essentially dismissed. That is not acceptable. It’s clear that there are failings in this process. A system without due process protections ultimately serves no one in the end.”

Jul 14, 2017

On the need for balance on campus sexual assault

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“We urge your administration to not just commit to protecting the civil rights of all students in this country, but to also do so proactively and with the utmost urgency.”

Jul 10, 2017

Letter from 64 Congressional Democrats to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos…

Letter from 64 Congressional Democrats to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“Within the Beltway and education policy circles, people come to these studies and ask ‘Do voucher programs work?’ I view that as the wrong question to ask. The question is are there good schools, effective schools of all governance types available to low-income and other disadvantaged children?”

Jun 26, 2017

On new research on performance of students using private school vouchers.

John White, Louisiana State Superintendent of School

“Superintendents in Pennsylvania and across the nation have been clear that the Republican health care plan will devastate our schools.”

Jun 21, 2017

On cuts to Medicaid expected in the health care bill

U.S. Sen. Casey, D-Penn.

“I suggest we focus less on what word comes before ‘school’ – whether it be traditional, charter, virtual, magnet, home, parochial, private or any approach yet to be developed and focus instead on the individuals they are intended to serve.”

Jun 14, 2017

Speaking to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“Any elected official who asks to visit my schools is welcome to do so; there is no political litmus test.”

Jun 13, 2017

On the need for a bipartisan approach to education

Eva Moskowitz, founder of Success Academy Charter Schools.

“This is a difficult budget request to defend. I think it’s likely that the kinds of cuts that are proposed in this budget will not occur.”

Jun 08, 2017

Speaking about the fiscal year 2018 budget for the U.S. Education Department

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri

“Education is not mayonnaise. The day we start treating education of our children like the marketing of a condiment is the day we’ve given up on our kids.”

Jun 06, 2017

At a Senate Hearing on the FY2018 Education Budget

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy. D-Conn.

“This budget reflects the views of an administration filled with people who frankly never had to worry about their children going to college.”

May 24, 2017

On education spending in the fiscal year 2018 federal budget

Rep. Nita Lowey, D-NY

“The opponents of modernizing our education system will pull out all the stops. They will not go quietly into the night.”

May 22, 2017

Speaking at the American Federation for Children National Policy Summit

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“We’ve done young people a disservice for a long time in suggesting that if you’re going to be successful as an adult, that you have to go to a four-year college or university.”

May 10, 2017

Speaking at a vocational training program

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“This is what winning for young children and kids from all over the country looks like.”

May 03, 2017

On Congress' decision to extend the private school vouchers offered under the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program

President Donald J. Trump

“We would tell those who work to destroy our public schools, no matter how well-intentioned they might think themselves to be, to stop invoking ‘civil rights.’ It is a grave insult to the great American martyrs who died in service to that cause

May 01, 2017

Writing in The Washington Post

Civil Rights icon James Meredith

“There’s isn’t really any Common Core anymore, and each state is able to set the standards for their state.”

Apr 25, 2017

In a recent interview

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“My mission is to unleash a new era of innovation in education to drive unprecedented achievement.”

Apr 21, 2017

In a opinion piece in the Cleveland Plain Dealer

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“Common Core. I mean, we have to bring education more local. We can’t be managing education from Washington. When I go out to Iowa, when I go out to the different states and I talk, they want to run their school programs locally.”

Apr 04, 2017

Speaking to a business town hall meeting

President Donald J. Trump

“I think the first and most important measure of accountability to the public is to the parents in general, right? The fact that parents choose a school for their child.”

Mar 29, 2017

On the need for school choice

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“Schools are still a national issue, but there is a consensus that the issues not to be resolved from Washington.”

Mar 29, 2017

On the federal government's role in education

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

“I want to be very clear: the massive and immediate cuts to education, health care, medical research, and other middle class and worker priorities that President Trump is demanding are absolute non-starters for Democrats.”

Mar 28, 2017

On President Trump's proposed cuts to the FY 2017 budget, including $3 billion in education spending

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“I was all for ESSA’s devolution of authority back to the states. But I’m now living a vivid, painful example of how federalism can be used to advance adult interests at the expense of students.”

Mar 23, 2017

On Maryland's new school accountability plan

Chester E. Finn, Jr., Vice President, Maryland State Board of Education

“The reality is that private schools receiving taxpayer funds lack accountability and transparency, can deny students and parents basic rights, and are inaccessible to students in rural areas and students who cannot afford to pay the difference in cost between the voucher and private school tuition.”

Mar 22, 2017

In a letter to colleagues about private school choice

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“The budget places power in the hands of parents and families to choose schools that are best for their children by investing an additional $1.4 billion in school choice programs.”

Mar 16, 2017

On President Trump's preliminary budget

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“We’re going to do what’s best for children by implementing the law as Congress intended, with the freedom and flexibility that state and local leaders deserve.”

Mar 13, 2017

Speaking to the Council of Great City Schools about ESSA

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“It will give Secretary DeVos a blank check to promote her anti-public-school agenda.”

Mar 09, 2017

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., on the decision to repeal ESSA regulations

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“Here is the problem with this rule that was put out by the U.S. Department of Education: the rule specifically does things or requires states to do things that Congress said … the Department can’t do. In other words, the Department’s regulation specifically violates the law.”

Mar 04, 2017

On why he supports repealing ESSA regulations

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

“I am calling upon members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.”

Feb 28, 2017

In his February 28 address to Congress

President Donald J. Trump

“Do you agree…that all schools that receive taxpayer funding should be equally accountable?” “Well no….”

Feb 27, 2017

January 2017 DeVos confirmation hearing

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

“The path to higher standards and better teaching and real accountability is community by community, classroom by classroom, state by state, and not through the federal government.”

Feb 24, 2017

Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee Chair

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

“We have a unique window of opportunity to make school choice a reality for millions of families.”

Feb 23, 2017

U.S. Secretary of Education

Betsy DeVos

“I want every single inner-city child in America, who is today trapped in a failing school, to have the freedom — the civil right — to attend the school of their choice.”

Feb 22, 2017

President Donald J. Trump on school choice…

President Donald J. Trump

“I can tell the attitude is more of a ‘receive mode.’ They’re waiting to be told what they have to do, and that’s not going to bring success to an individual child. You have to have teachers who are empowered to facilitate great teaching.”

Feb 21, 2017

U.S. Secretary of Education

Betsy DeVos on D.C. teachers

DeVos and Kaine on School Accountability

Jan 26, 2017

This exchange occurred at the January 2017 Senate confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos’s appointment as…