Friday, February 7, 2025
spot_imgspot_img

Top 5 This Week

spot_img

Related Posts

2024 Presidential Candidates’ Positions on Higher Education Issues

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have articulated their positions on key issues related to higher education, including accreditation, international enrollment, and student protests. Their viewpoints can be gleaned from public statements, campaign platforms, and prior actions.

Accreditation

Donald Trump: In a campaign video, Trump expressed a commitment to “fire the radical left accreditors” and intends to implement new standards that prioritize traditional American values while creating more affordable pathways to degrees. His administration’s actions included modifications to accreditation rules, resulting in relaxed standards and simplified processes for new accreditors.

Kamala Harris: Harris, during her tenure as California Attorney General, criticized the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and called for the revocation of its recognition after its accreditation of the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges. Recently, she has supported policy measures aimed at ensuring quicker responses from accreditors when institutions fail to comply with established guidelines.

Campus Protests

Donald Trump: Trump has been vocal in his condemnation of student protests, particularly those addressing political issues. He has urged college administrations to disperse such protests and restore traditional campus environments, advocating for the deportation of student protesters, although this proposition raises significant legal concerns.

Kamala Harris: Harris has not taken a definitive public stance on recent pro-Palestinian protests on campuses, preferring to express support for various forms of political activism in the past, including demonstrations related to the Black Lives Matter movement.

College Affordability

Donald Trump: His proposals focus on generating affordable alternatives to traditional four-year degrees rather than directly decreasing costs at existing universities. He suggested establishing a free online college funded through taxes on wealthy university endowments.

Kamala Harris: Harris supports initiatives for free community college and public university tuition for families with incomes under $125,000. Additionally, she advocates for increased funding for Pell Grants and other educational support programs aimed at disadvantaged students.

Education Department Funding

Donald Trump: Trump has proposed the elimination of the Education Department, advocating that its responsibilities be shifted to state governments, which would significantly impact federal oversight of education.

Kamala Harris: In contrast, Harris’s campaign emphasizes the expansion of federal educational funding, including Pell Grants, that occurred during the Biden administration.

For-Profit Colleges

Donald Trump: The Trump administration has faced criticism for its lenient stance on the for-profit college sector, including the revocation of regulations intended to protect students from predatory practices.

Kamala Harris: Harris has engaged in legal action against Corinthian Colleges, resulting in significant financial penalties. She has proposed increased scrutiny of for-profit institutions under her leadership.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Donald Trump: In 2019, Trump signed a bipartisan bill aimed at providing financial support for HBCUs, although he faced backlash for attempts to cut funding for other vital programs.

Kamala Harris: The Biden administration has notably invested in HBCUs, a commitment that Harris, as an alumna of one such institution, supports.

International Students

Donald Trump: His administration enacted restrictive policies affecting foreign students, including a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations. Trump has suggested maintaining stringent immigration controls that would impact international students.

Kamala Harris: Harris has opposed Trump’s immigration policies and advocates for initiatives aimed at supporting international students, which include lifting travel bans and creating more educational opportunities.

Student Loans

Donald Trump: He has voiced opposition to widespread student loan forgiveness policies and has supported decisions that restrict relief options available to borrowers.

Kamala Harris: In contrast, she has backed President Biden’s debt relief strategies and has emphasized the need for reform in the student loan sector, particularly in advocating for comprehensive relief programs.

Title IX

Donald Trump: Following the introduction of new Title IX regulations that extend protections to LGBTQ+ students, Trump has pledged to revoke these changes if elected, aligning with the Republican Party’s intent to reverse current administration policies.

Kamala Harris: Harris has expressed support for the Biden administration’s Title IX regulations, which aim to enhance protections for at-risk student demographics.

The distinct perspectives of Harris and Trump highlight the varying priorities and strategies each candidate offers regarding higher education as the election draws near.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here


Popular Articles