Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) knows that a lot of people are very upset with the recent confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. He also would really like for people to calm down.
In a thread of tweets on Twitter, Scott assured constituents that DeVos has absolutely no way to destroy the public education system in the United States, nor would she want to.
I am thankful for all the calls, for the passion we’ve seen about education policy for the past two weeks.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
We need strong public schools, as well as strong options for parents to choose the best option for their kids.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
The fact remains no Secretary of Education has the power to “destroy public schools” - and no one would.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
Let’s be clear-there are 1000s of low performing schools across this nation. You can hold the floor forever…but it won’t change that fact
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
Scott also pledged to work alongside DeVos to try to improve education in low-income schools and to improve educational outcomes. He said this was a "passion" of his.
I want true reform that strengthens public education and gives parents a choice for their childrens’ future.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
We will work with Secretary DeVos to strengthen all of our schools, and to make sure quality education is available to all.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
Because without education, incarceration rates go up, unemployment goes up, lifetime earnings go down.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
So while some want to continue to put band-aids on a system that isn’t working for a lot of kids, I do not.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
I want true reform that strengthens public education and gives parents a choice for their childrens’ future.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
It is a life long passion for me, and I am committed to working for ALL of our kids.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
Scott also said that he plans on inviting DeVos to see some of his home state's worst-performing schools.
I believe new ideas will help, and I look forward to inviting her down to South Carolina to see and find solutions. https://t.co/uYPAofYuKG
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 7, 2017
Now compare Scott's measured message to that of some of his colleagues on the other side of the aisle:
Joined @SenateDems to #holdthefloor last night expressing our passionate dissent against the nomination of #DeVos. pic.twitter.com/IdTcSxQTFr
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) February 7, 2017
I'm calling on Republicans - Vote #NoOnDevos. pic.twitter.com/iu1q7SeHMJ
— Martin Heinrich (@MartinHeinrich) February 7, 2017
DeVos has failed to demonstrate that she's qualified to be Secretary of Education or that she understands what the job requires. #NoOnDeVos
— Martin Heinrich (@MartinHeinrich) February 7, 2017
"It is clear from her testimony, Betsy DeVos has not done her homework." —@KamalaHarris #DumpDeVos pic.twitter.com/51T3rXaoqJ
— Women's March (@womensmarch) February 7, 2017