Linda McMahon's Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education became a flashpoint for several contentious issues, including protests, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, transgender athletes in sports, and proposed budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk.
The hearing, held by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, saw disruptions from protesters who were subsequently removed. One protester shouted, "Protect trans kids, protect immigrant students, protect our schools!" This sparked a clash between Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and newly elected Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) regarding the protesters' behavior and their suitability as educators.
McMahon addressed the Trump administration's reversal of Biden-era regulations on Title IX, expressing support for interpreting the law based on biological sex rather than gender identity. She emphasized the importance of women feeling safe in their spaces, such as locker rooms. McMahon pledged to enforce the law on campuses that attempt to defy it.
McMahon also critiqued DEI programs, arguing that they have exacerbated divisions rather than fostered inclusion. She cited examples of separate graduation ceremonies based on race as counterproductive to the programs' intended goals. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) challenged this view, referencing the cancellation of Black History Month programming in Department of Defense schools and questioning whether such actions align with the intent to dismantle DEI initiatives. McMahon clarified that celebrations like Black History Month should be observed in all schools.
The hearing also delved into the controversial spending cuts proposed by DOGE. McMahon stated her belief that the American public wants the government to address waste, fraud, and abuse. When pressed by Democratic senators, including Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), about the extent of these cuts and DOGE's access to private student data, McMahon maintained that she would adhere to congressional statutes and that DOGE employees operate under the Department of Education's regulations regarding information access. Murray expressed concern over the potential lack of accountability and the implications for student privacy.
McMahon's confirmation vote is scheduled for February 20th.
