Education

DeVos-Funded Foster Agency Slams Trump’s Zero-Tolerance Border Policy

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Rob Shimshock Education Reporter
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A foster agency that criticized President Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance border policy received nearly a million dollars from the secretary of education’s family.

Nonprofit foster group Bethany Christian Services received $853,000 from Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and her family members over 14 years, reported Detroit Free Press on Saturday. But despite having taken money from one of his cabinet members and her family, as indicated ProPublica tax filings, the group has repudiated the president’s zero-tolerance border policy.

“Recent scriptural justifications of such policies are insensitive,” Bethany Christian Services said, referring to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ citation of Romans 13 to rationalize the policy. “The separation of children from their parents and families is wrong. … As Christians, we are committed to having mercy on those who seek refuge. Our Christian faith compels us to aid vulnerable strangers.” (RELATED: ‘We Do Not Separate Babies From Adults’: DHS Denies Allegation It ‘Ripped’ Breastfeeding Baby From Mother)

The Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation provided $343,000 of the funding and the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, operated by the education secretary’s in-laws, contributed an additional $500,000. Another DeVos family member, Brian DeVos, served as Bethany Christian Services’ child and family services senior vice president until May, drawing in $118,000 per year.

Bethany has housed 50 or more immigrant children who have been split from their parents during border crossings. The group still was not content when Trump ceased the zero-tolerance policy.

“The Executive Order recognizing the importance of keeping families together is only the first step to reversing the harm caused by the ‘zero tolerance’ policy targeting vulnerable families and children who are seeking refuge, and much uncertainty remains,” Bethany Christian Services said.  “While keeping families together is the right thing to do, keeping families in detention facilities is still extremely traumatic and harmful for children.”

The Department of Education did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

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