The nation’s top education official visited Atlanta Wednesday to promote what officials say is a faster and easier way for college students to apply for financial aid, but the stop, like many, also drew student protests of some of her policies.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos went to Georgia Tech to show off a mobile app officials said has shortened the time it takes students to apply for aid from about 90 minutes to 32 minutes. Education department officials began work on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid last year as part of a response to long-standing complaints that applying for aid is confusing and time-consuming. The app launched this week, department officials said.
An estimated $150 billion is available annually in financial aid, officials said.
Officials asked a group of Atlanta Public Schools students who met with DeVos what they thought of the app.
“Cool,” Brianna Jones replied.
The reception for DeVos was chillier outside the meeting. About 20 area students demonstrated, holding signs that read “Devostating” while chanting “Betsy DeVos go home!” The protesters complained they were pushed by authorities when DeVos’ motorcade left the campus.
Their concerns included federal policies concerning student debt and the department’s proposal to change sexual misconduct investigation policies. Changes include allowing schools to choose the evidentiary standard — “preponderance of evidence” or “clear and convincing” evidence” — to apply in determining whether accused students are responsible for alleged misconduct.
“What we’re seeing with Betsy DeVos and protection of (the accused in misconduct cases) is abysmal,” said Nate Knauf, a third-year Georgia Tech College of Computing student.
DeVos told reporters her goal with the changes is to find a balance. She said her department will “soon” release its recommendations.
“The framework needs to be fair and just for both parties,” she said.
DeVos was also in Atlanta to learn more about Project ENGAGES, a partnership between Georgia Tech and Atlanta’s school system to teach and train more high school students about science and engineering.
One of the students, DeGreer Harris, said he felt “lost” before joining the program but is now extremely interested in material sciences and engineering.
“It’s given me something I enjoy,” he said.
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