Betsy Devos could scale back regulations on for-profit schools

This browser does not support the video element.

By John Paul

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Betsy Devos could become the next secretary of education sometime next week after a rare, early Friday morning vote in the Senate.

She's shown support of for-profit schools, and some think she may loosen restrictions on federal funding.

Eyewitness News anchor John Paul investigates what it could mean for the embattled Charlotte School of Law.

Devos was grilled for hours before a Senate committee last month, asked about everything from school vouchers to guns in school and regulations.

Devos said one of her goals would be “Unencumbering (schools from) a lot of rules and regulations"

She left the door open to cutting regulations in her comments on for-profit schools.

"The last thing any of us want is to unnecessarily close down important programs, putting students on the street with limited or no other options," Devos said.

Charlotte School of Law lost access to federal student loans late last year.

The government cited lack of compliance with the American Bar Association and there’s the question whether Devos would change that.

“Things could return back to the way they were for the law school,” said John Szmer, University of North Carolina-Charlotte associate professor.

He could see big changes for for-profit schools if she chooses to simply not enforce regulations on the books.

“She would have the power to choose not to implement those regulations,” Szmer said.

Paul contacted the school Friday and hasn't heard back, but students were hopeful.

“I hope that it means that we could get our funding back, definitely,” student Natalia Falcon said.

“I think that would be good for our school,” student Gabby Gabriel said.

Gabriel just finished her first semester and hopes something happens soon to help all the students who lost access to federal student aid.

Channel 9 uncovered records revealing the connection Devos has to North Carolina lawmakers.

Reports from Thursday indicated Devos and at least seven of her family members maxed out campaign donations to Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: