Betsy DeVos is a well-known figure in American politics, particularly in the field of education reform. She served as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education from 2017 to 2021, advocating strongly for school choice, voucher programs, and charter schools. Her career includes significant involvement with the Republican party, serving as a national committeewoman and twice as chair of the Michigan Republican Party. DeVos has dedicated her efforts and resources to organizations like the Alliance for School Choice, the Acton Institute, and the Foundation for Excellence in Education, consistently championing alternatives in education.
January 8, 1958: Birth of Betsy DeVos
Betsy DeVos was born on January 8, 1958, in Holland, Michigan.
1976: DeVos Participates in Republican National Convention
Betsy DeVos attended the 1976 Republican National Convention as part of a program for young Republicans.
1979: Marriage of Dick and Betsy DeVos
Betsy DeVos and Dick DeVos exchanged vows in 1979, marking the beginning of their marriage. They went on to have four children together: Rick, Elissa, Andrea, and Ryan.
1979: DeVos Graduates from Calvin College
Betsy DeVos graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1979.
1982: DeVos's Involvement in Michigan Republican Party Begins
Betsy DeVos began her involvement with the Michigan Republican Party in 1982.
1986: DeVos Elected as Precinct Delegate
Betsy DeVos was elected as a local precinct delegate for the Michigan Republican Party in 1986, a position she held for 16 consecutive terms.
1989: DeVos Co-Founds the Windquest Group
Betsy DeVos and her husband established the Windquest Group, a private operating group focused on investments in technology, manufacturing, and clean energy, in 1989.
1989: The DeVos Family's History of Political Donations
Since 1989, the DeVos family has been known for its significant donations to political candidates and committees, exceeding $17 million.
1989: Launch of Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation
The Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation was launched in 1989, focusing on leadership, transformation, and support in education, community, arts, justice, and leadership.
1992: DeVos Becomes Republican National Committeewoman for Michigan
Betsy DeVos began her tenure as Republican National Committeewoman for Michigan in 1992, a position she held until 1997.
1993: Advocacy for Charter Schools in Michigan
Betsy DeVos and her husband actively participated in the successful campaign to pass Michigan's inaugural charter school bill in 1993. Their efforts marked a pivotal moment in the state's education landscape, introducing an alternative model for public education.
1993: Dick DeVos's Leadership at Alticor
Dick DeVos, Betsy DeVos's husband, assumed a prominent role within the family business, Alticor, the parent company of Amway. From 1993 to 2002, he served as the head of the company, demonstrating his business acumen.
1996: DeVos Elected as Chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party
Betsy DeVos was elected as the chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party in 1996, a role she held until 2000.
1997: DeVos Champions Unlimited Political Donations
In 1997, Betsy DeVos authored an op-ed in Roll Call, advocating against limitations on "soft money" political donations, arguing that they infringe on free speech.
1999: DeVos Foundation Donations to Christian Organizations
Between 1999 and 2014, the DeVos Foundation donated $100 million, with half of it going to Christian organizations, including Michigan's Foundation for Traditional Values and Right to Life Michigan Educational Fund.
1999: Philanthropic Focus on Education
From 1999 to 2014, the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation allocated substantial funding to support various educational institutions. A significant portion of their donations went towards private Christian schools, with a smaller percentage directed towards charter and public schools.
2000: DeVos Resigns from Michigan Republican Party
Betsy DeVos stepped down from her position as chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party in 2000.
2000: Unsuccessful Campaign for Tax-Credit Scholarships and Vouchers
In 2000, Betsy DeVos and her husband spearheaded an endeavor to amend Michigan's constitution to allow for tax-credit scholarships or vouchers, aiming to provide families with more educational options. However, their efforts faced setbacks, and the amendment failed to pass.
2000: DeVos Emphasizes Her Independent Stance
Upon resigning from her position in the Michigan Republican Party, Betsy DeVos stated that she had never been a "rubber stamp" and always fought for her beliefs.
2001: DeVos's Views on Education and Faith
In 2001, Betsy DeVos expressed her belief that engaging in education activism and advocating for educational reforms served as a pathway to "advance God's Kingdom." During an interview conducted that year, she further articulated her conviction that enacting meaningful change in the approach to the nation's education system held the potential to yield greater "Kingdom gain" over time.
2002: Dick DeVos's Leadership at Alticor
Dick DeVos, Betsy DeVos's husband, assumed a prominent role within the family business, Alticor, the parent company of Amway. From 1993 to 2002, he served as the head of the company, demonstrating his business acumen.
2002: Donations to Mars Hill Bible Church and Flannel
When Betsy DeVos assumed the position of US Education Secretary, her affiliation with Mars Hill Bible Church as an elder was disclosed. Between 2002 and 2004, she and her husband, Dick DeVos, donated a substantial sum of money to the church, totaling $431,000. Additionally, they contributed $453,349 to Flannel, the production company behind the NOOMA video series.
2003: DeVos Returns as Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman
Betsy DeVos was re-elected as chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party in 2003.
2003: Founding of All Children Matter PAC
In 2003, Betsy DeVos and her husband, Dick DeVos, established the All Children Matter political action committee (PAC). This organization aimed to champion school vouchers, tax credits for businesses offering private school scholarships, and candidates who aligned with these policy positions. The DeVos family made substantial financial contributions to support the PAC's endeavors.
2004: DeVos's Support for the Bush Campaign
Betsy DeVos personally raised over $150,000 for George W. Bush's re-election campaign in 2004.
2004: Appointment to the Kennedy Center Board of Directors
In 2004, Betsy DeVos was selected by President George W. Bush to join the board of directors of the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Her tenure on the board spanned until 2010.
2004: DeVos Described as a "Political Pit Bull"
In 2004, the Lansing State Journal characterized Betsy DeVos as a "political pit bull" for her staunch opposition to then-Governor Jennifer Granholm.
2004: Donations to Mars Hill Bible Church and Flannel
When Betsy DeVos assumed the position of US Education Secretary, her affiliation with Mars Hill Bible Church as an elder was disclosed. Between 2002 and 2004, she and her husband, Dick DeVos, donated a substantial sum of money to the church, totaling $431,000. Additionally, they contributed $453,349 to Flannel, the production company behind the NOOMA video series.
2005: DeVos Ends Second Tenure as Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman
Betsy DeVos concluded her second term as the chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party in 2005.
2006: Dick DeVos's Gubernatorial Campaign
In 2006, Dick DeVos entered the political arena as the Republican nominee for Governor of Michigan. His candidacy highlighted his commitment to public service and his conservative political views.
October 2008: DeVos Hosts Fundraiser for George W. Bush
Betsy DeVos hosted a Republican fundraiser at her residence in October 2008, with President George W. Bush as the main guest.
2008: Fine Imposed on All Children Matter
In 2008, All Children Matter, a political organization, faced a significant legal setback when it was fined $5.2 million in Ohio. The organization was found guilty of violating campaign finance laws by illegally funneling money into political campaigns. Despite the severity of the fine, it remained outstanding as of 2017, prompting calls from Democratic lawmakers for Betsy DeVos to take responsibility and settle the debt.
2009: Founding of ArtPrize by Rick DeVos
In 2009, Rick DeVos, the son of Betsy and Dick DeVos, established ArtPrize, an international art competition based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
2010: Establishment of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management
During their time on the Kennedy Center board, Betsy DeVos and her husband made a generous contribution to establish a center focused on training arts managers and board members in effective fundraising and management practices for cultural institutions. In 2010, they donated a substantial $22.5 million to ensure the continuation of this initiative, which was subsequently named the DeVos Institute of Arts Management.
December 2012: DeVos Produces Broadway Play
Betsy DeVos and her husband, Dick, served as producers for the Broadway production of "Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson" in 2012. The play, based on the life of the renowned evangelist, ran for a short period, closing in December 2012 following unfavorable reviews.
2014: Continued Philanthropy by DeVos Foundation
By 2014, the DeVos Foundation had donated $100 million to various causes, with a significant portion supporting Christian organizations and conservative think tanks.
2014: Philanthropic Focus on Education
From 1999 to 2014, the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation allocated substantial funding to support various educational institutions. A significant portion of their donations went towards private Christian schools, with a smaller percentage directed towards charter and public schools.
2015: Involvement with Education Think Tanks and Scholarship Programs
Betsy and Dick DeVos demonstrate their commitment to education through their annual scholarship program for students attending Northwood University. Betsy also held a position on the board of the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), a prominent education think tank established by Jeb Bush. Notably, Condoleezza Rice has served as the chairman of ExcelinEd since 2015. The organization has garnered support from influential figures such as Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg, and Eli Broad, who have made contributions to advance its mission.
2015: DeVos Foundation Recognized for Charitable Giving
In 2015, the DeVos Foundation made $11.6 million in charitable contributions, bringing the couple's lifetime giving to $139 million. Forbes ranked the DeVos family No. 24 on its 2015 list of America's top givers.
March 2016: DeVos Criticizes Donald Trump
In March 2016, Betsy DeVos expressed her disapproval of Donald Trump, labeling him an "interloper" who did not represent the Republican Party.
November 2016: Resignation from Alliance for School Choice and All Children Matter PAC
Betsy DeVos stepped down from her position as chairwoman of the board of Alliance for School Choice in November 2016.
November 23, 2016: DeVos Nominated as Secretary of Education
President-elect Donald Trump announced his decision to nominate Betsy DeVos for the position of Secretary of Education on November 23, 2016.
2016: Charitable Giving Through the Foundation
In 2016, the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation made substantial donations exceeding $14 million to more than 100 organizations. Their philanthropic contributions supported a diverse range of causes represented by organizations such as the X Prize Foundation, Mars Hill Bible Church, and the American Enterprise Institute.
2016: The DeVos Family Ranked Among the Wealthiest in America
Forbes listed the DeVos family as the 88th richest in America in 2016, estimating their net worth at $5.4 billion.
2016: DeVos Family Support for ArtPrize
By 2016, ArtPrize, an international art competition, had received a significant portion of its annual budget from various foundations associated with the DeVos family. Approximately 16 percent of ArtPrize's $3.5 million budget came from these foundations, demonstrating their ongoing support for the arts.
2016: Criticism of DeVos's Role in Detroit Charter School System
Betsy DeVos's advocacy for the charter school system in Detroit has been met with criticism from some quarters. Douglas N. Harris, an economics professor at Tulane University, published an op-ed in The New York Times in 2016 arguing that DeVos shared responsibility for what even charter school proponents acknowledge as a significant setback in school reform. Harris pointed to Detroit's dismal performance in the National Assessment of Educational Progress, where the city recorded the lowest scores in reading and mathematics among all participating cities. He contended that the system designed under DeVos's influence lacked sufficient oversight, allowing underperforming schools to continue operating without adequate accountability measures.
2016: Richard DeVos Sr.'s Wealth and Philanthropy
Richard DeVos Sr., Dick DeVos's father and Betsy DeVos's father-in-law, gained recognition not only as the co-founder of Amway but also as the owner of the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team. His significant wealth and entrepreneurial endeavors left a lasting impact. In 2016, Forbes estimated Richard DeVos's net worth at $5.1 billion, ranking him as the 88th wealthiest individual in the United States.
January 10, 2017: Confirmation Hearing Postponement
Betsy DeVos's confirmation hearing, originally scheduled for January 10, 2017, was delayed by a week. This delay was prompted by the Office of Government Ethics's request for additional time to review DeVos's financial disclosures.
January 17, 2017: Confirmation Hearing and Controversies
On January 17, 2017, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing for Betsy DeVos's confirmation. The hearing, marked by partisan debate, saw DeVos facing scrutiny over her family's political contributions and her stance on guns in schools, a comment that attracted significant media attention and satire.
February 1, 2017: Senate Vote and Opposition
On February 1, 2017, Betsy DeVos's nomination, already approved by the committee, faced potential deadlock as two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, withdrew their support, setting the stage for a possible tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence.
February 3, 2017: Cloture Invoked
On February 3, 2017, following a period of debate, the Senate invoked cloture on Betsy DeVos's nomination, paving the way for a final confirmation vote.
February 7, 2017: DeVos Confirmed as Secretary of Education
The Senate confirmed Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education on February 7, 2017, by a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote.
February 10, 2017: Protests at First Official Appearance
On February 10, 2017, Betsy DeVos faced protests during her first official appearance as Secretary of Education. Protesters blocked her from entering Jefferson Academy, a public middle school in D.C., and she eventually entered through a side entrance.
February 2017: Controversy over Historically Black Colleges and School Choice
Betsy DeVos sparked controversy in February 2017 by referring to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as "real pioneers when it comes to school choice." This statement was met with criticism, as many pointed out the historical context: HBCUs were established during segregation when African Americans were denied access to other institutions. DeVos later acknowledged the role of racism in the history of HBCUs.
February 2017: Confirmation as Secretary of Education
Betsy DeVos was confirmed as Secretary of Education in February 2017. Nearly 22 months later, it was revealed that she had not divested from several required assets.
February 2017: Satirical Portrayals of Betsy DeVos in Popular Culture
Betsy DeVos became the subject of satirical commentary in February 2017 when artist Glenn McCoy created a political cartoon titled "Trying to Trash Betsy DeVos." The cartoon drew inspiration from Norman Rockwell's iconic painting "The Problem We All Live With." In the same month, "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" joined in on the humor, featuring a parody segment that poked fun at typographical errors made by the Department of Education on Twitter. Jo Firestone took on the role of Betsy DeVos for the comedic sketch.
March 24, 2017: Focus on Community Colleges and Year-Round Pell Grants
On March 24, 2017, during a visit to Valencia College, Betsy DeVos expressed interest in expanding federal financial aid to support year-round learning for students and emphasized her focus on the role of community colleges.
March 29, 2017: School Choice Advocacy and Criticism of Previous Policies
In her first major policy address on March 29, 2017, Betsy DeVos, a long-time advocate for school choice, reiterated her commitment to implementing choice-based education policies. She criticized the Obama administration's approach of allocating additional funding to underperforming schools, arguing that it was an ineffective solution.
April 6, 2017: Protests During University Visit
During a visit to Florida International University on April 6, 2017, Betsy DeVos was confronted by around 30 protesters. The following day, the U.S. Marshals Service announced additional security measures for DeVos, costing $7.8 million between February and September 2017.
April 11, 2017: Reversal of Obama-Era Student Loan Protections
On April 11, 2017, Betsy DeVos took action to undo several policy memos implemented during the Obama administration, specifically those designed to protect student loan borrowers.
April 2017: Support for General Counsel Nomination
In April 2017, Betsy DeVos expressed her support for President Trump's nomination of Carlos G. Muñiz as the Department of Education's general counsel.
April 2017: Key Appointments in Education Department
In April 2017, Betsy DeVos made significant appointments within the Department of Education, naming Candice Jackson as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and Jason Botel as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. Botel's appointment was notable for his background as a Democrat and supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
May 10, 2017: Commencement Speech at Bethune-Cookman University
On May 10, 2017, Betsy DeVos gave a commencement speech at Bethune-Cookman University, a historically black college. During her speech, a majority of students booed her, and about half stood up and turned their backs to her. She also received an honorary doctorate from the university.
May 2017: Debate over Discrimination and Federal Funding for Schools
In May 2017, during a House committee hearing, Representative Katherine Clark questioned Betsy DeVos about the use of federal funds in schools that discriminate against LGBTQ students. DeVos's response, emphasizing state flexibility in designing programs, drew criticism for not explicitly condemning discrimination in schools receiving federal funding.
May 22, 2017: Ambitious School Choice Expansion Plan
On May 22, 2017, Betsy DeVos announced the Trump administration's plan for a significant expansion of school choice in the United States. She cited Indiana's voucher program, the largest in the country, as a potential model for a nationwide policy.
June 2, 2017: Support for Withdrawal from Paris Agreement
On June 2, 2017, Betsy DeVos announced her support for President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, which had been made the previous day.
June 6, 2017: States' Rights and Federal Funding for Private Schools
On June 6, 2017, while appearing before a House appropriations committee, Betsy DeVos asserted that states' rights would dictate whether private schools would be eligible to receive federal funding.
July 1, 2017: Scheduled Implementation of Obama-era Rules
Rules developed during the Obama administration to protect students attending for-profit colleges were supposed to take effect on July 1, 2017, but were suspended by Betsy DeVos.
July 6, 2017: Federal Lawsuit Against DeVos
On July 6, 2017, Democratic attorneys-general in 18 states and Washington, D.C., led by Massachusetts attorney-general Maura Healey, filed a federal lawsuit against Betsy DeVos for suspending rules meant to protect for-profit college students. These rules were initially set to take effect on July 1, 2017.
July 13, 2017: Review of Campus Sexual Assault Policies
On July 13, 2017, Betsy DeVos attended a meeting organized by Candice Jackson, a sexual assault survivor, to discuss campus sexual assault policies. DeVos expressed concern for men falsely accused of assaults and indicated that current Obama-era guidelines might be revised.
September 2017: Additional Security Costs Announced
Following protests during her university visit, the U.S. Marshals Service announced in September 2017 that Betsy DeVos would receive additional security, projected to cost $7.8 million.
October 2017: Revocation of Special Education Guidance Documents
In October 2017, Betsy DeVos revoked 72 guidance documents from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services that outlined the rights of disabled students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act.
2017: Unpaid Fine and Calls for Settlement
In 2008, All Children Matter, a political organization, faced a significant legal setback when it was fined $5.2 million in Ohio. The organization was found guilty of violating campaign finance laws by illegally funneling money into political campaigns. Despite the severity of the fine, it remained outstanding as of 2017, prompting calls from Democratic lawmakers for Betsy DeVos to take responsibility and settle the debt.
2017: DeVos Becomes US Secretary of Education
Betsy DeVos assumed the role of the 11th United States Secretary of Education in 2017.
January 2018: Speech on Teacher Influence
In January 2018, Betsy DeVos stated that 60% of teachers reported having little to no influence over classroom content. The American Federation of Teachers responded by noting that 86% of surveyed educators felt disrespected by DeVos.
March 2018: Announcement of School Safety Commission
In March 2018, Betsy DeVos announced the formation of a School Safety Commission to provide actionable recommendations. The commission, which included four Cabinet members, held meetings on March 28 and April 17, 2018.
March 2018: Challenges to School Choice Effectiveness in Michigan
In a March 2018 interview on 60 Minutes, journalist Lesley Stahl questioned Betsy DeVos about the effectiveness of school choice programs in Michigan, a state where DeVos had significant influence on education policy. Stahl pointed to data suggesting that public schools in Michigan had not improved under these programs. DeVos countered by claiming there were "pockets" of improvement but failed to provide concrete evidence.
March 2018: Satirical Portrayals of DeVos in Popular Culture
Throughout March 2018, Betsy DeVos continued to be a subject of satire, particularly regarding her interview on "60 Minutes." Kate McKinnon, known for her impersonations on "Saturday Night Live," delivered a notable portrayal of DeVos, drawing humor from the interview. Simultaneously, Randy Rainbow, a comedian and singer, created a satirical "interview" with DeVos based on the same "60 Minutes" appearance. Out magazine commented on Rainbow's piece, stating, "It goes about as well as you'd expect it to."
May 2018: Downsizing and Controversy in For-Profit College Oversight
In May 2018, reports emerged about Betsy DeVos's actions regarding the oversight of for-profit colleges. Under her leadership, the team responsible for investigating fraud and abuse in these institutions was significantly downsized, and its focus shifted away from large-scale investigations. Moreover, DeVos's appointment of Julian Schmoke, a former dean of DeVry Education Group (a for-profit institution previously under investigation), as the team's supervisor raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
May 2018: Statement on Reporting Undocumented Students
In May 2018, Betsy DeVos stated that it should be a school decision whether to report undocumented students or their families to ICE. This statement was controversial given the Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which mandates that schools provide education regardless of immigration status.
September 12, 2018: Court Ruling Against DeVos
On September 12, 2018, Betsy DeVos lost a lawsuit brought by 19 states and the District of Columbia. The lawsuit accused the Department of Education of improperly delaying regulations aimed at protecting student loan borrowers from predatory practices.
October 2018: Chief of Staff Replacement
In October 2018, Betsy DeVos replaced her chief of staff, Josh Venable, with Nate Bailey, who was serving as her chief of communications at the time.
December 3, 2018: Undivested Assets Disclosure
According to her 2018 financial disclosure certified on December 3, 2018, Betsy DeVos had not divested from 24 assets nearly 22 months after her February 2017 confirmation.
March 21, 2019: DeVos Impersonated on "RuPaul's Drag Race"
On March 21, 2019, Betsy DeVos once again found herself portrayed in the realm of popular culture, this time on the eleventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Drag queen Scarlet Envy took on the persona of DeVos during the episode titled "Trump: The Rusical." Envy's portrayal presented DeVos as a "silly" and "martini-swilling" figure. In a subsequent season, drag queen Jasmine Kennedie also impersonated DeVos for the show's signature celebrity impersonation challenge, "Snatch Game."
May 2019: Inspector General Report on Email Use
In May 2019, the Education Department's inspector general released a report concluding that Betsy DeVos had used personal email accounts for government business and had not properly preserved these emails.
November 2019: Truth In Advertising Files Complaints Against Neurocore
In November 2019, Truth In Advertising lodged complaints against Neurocore, a company in which DeVos and her husband are major investors, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The complaints pertained to allegations of unapproved medical devices and misleading marketing practices.
2019: Attempt to Cut Special Olympics Funding
In 2019, Betsy DeVos made an unsuccessful attempt to cut federal funding for the Special Olympics, something she had tried to do in her previous two budget proposals.
July 12, 2020: DeVos Advocates for School Reopening Amid COVID-19
On July 12, 2020, Betsy DeVos pushed for schools to reopen despite surging coronavirus cases. She suggested pulling funding from public schools unless they provided full-time, in-person learning, and disputed public health experts by stating that 'there's nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous to them.'
September 2020: Hatch Act Investigation
In September 2020, the Office of the Special Counsel investigated Betsy DeVos for potential violations of the Hatch Act after she appeared on Fox News during the 2020 election campaign and criticized Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The Department of Education promoted her interview.
January 7, 2021: DeVos Resigns as Secretary of Education
Following the January 6th Capitol attack, Betsy DeVos submitted her resignation as Secretary of Education to President Trump on January 7, 2021, citing the impact of his rhetoric.
January 8, 2021: DeVos's Resignation Takes Effect
Betsy DeVos's resignation from her position as Secretary of Education became effective on January 8, 2021.
2021: DeVos Leaves Office as US Secretary of Education
Betsy DeVos concluded her service as the US Secretary of Education in 2021.